STADA Pymepharco: From Local Champion to Global Healthcare Partner

With EU-GMP-certified facilities, growing export capabilities, and a strong commitment to sustainability and workforce development, STADA Pymepharco is not only raising the bar for the local pharmaceutical sector but also positioning Vietnam as a reliable partner in the global supply chain. In this interview with Vietnam Business Forum, Mr. Philippe Gautron, General Manager of STADA Pymepharco, shares insights into the company’s transformation, its role within STADA’s global ecosystem, and its vision for sustainable growth in Vietnam.

Pymepharco office

How has Pymepharco transformed since becoming a full member of the STADA Group? What are the key developments in management, production, and technology?

Since 2021, when STADA Pymepharco became a wholly owned member of STADA Group, we have transitioned from a leading local pharmaceutical company into an integrated part of a global healthcare organization, while continuing to build on our local roots. This shift has enabled us to fully align with STADA’s multinational standards in innovation, governance, compliance, and quality assurance.

In management, we have benefited greatly from the strategic direction and close collaboration with STADA’s global leadership team, whose insights and support have strengthened our operational excellence and long-term growth capabilities. At the same time, our experienced local management team — with its deep understanding of the Vietnamese market — continues to drive business forward by applying a Growth Mindset, Entrepreneurship, and Agility in decision-making to ensure sustainable performance in Vietnam’s dynamic healthcare market.

In production and technology, STADA’s investment in Pymepharco has deepened significantly since first becoming a strategic shareholder in 2008. Key milestones include: In 2013, Pymepharco became the first pharmaceutical company in Vietnam to receive EU-GMP certification for beta-lactam ranges at its first manufacturing site - setting a new benchmark for the local industry; In 2023, we achieved EU-GMP certification for our second facility, expanding into non-beta-lactam and multiple oral form production; Most recently, in 2024, we proudly exported our first batch of pharmaceuticals produced in Vietnam to European markets - a milestone that demonstrates the quality and global trust in our processes.

These achievements underscore not only our alignment with international standards but also Vietnam’s growing role as a reliable player in the global pharmaceutical supply chain.

How does STADA evaluate the development potential of Vietnam’s pharmaceutical sector in the global supply chain? What is STADA Pymepharco’s role within the global STADA ecosystem?

We see Vietnam as a highly promising player in the global pharmaceutical supply chain, thanks to several structural advantages: A strategic geographic location in Southeast Asia; Rapidly developing logistics infrastructure and participation in multiple FTAs; A rising middle-income population with growing healthcare awareness; A young, skilled workforce, particularly in technical and scientific fields

Importantly, Vietnam’s regulatory framework is evolving rapidly toward alignment with international standards, which is crucial for deeper integration into the global market.

As for STADA Pymepharco’s role, we are one of the few EU-GMP-certified manufacturers in Vietnam, which enables us to serve both domestic and export markets. In 2024, our first export batch to Europe was a historic milestone for us. Within STADA Group, Pymepharco functions as: A strategic manufacturing hub for both emerging markets and the European region; A bridge between local capabilities and global quality standards; A key contributor to STADA’s supply chain resilience, helping expand access to high-quality healthcare solutions worldwide.

Pymepharco research lab

What are your flagship product lines and upcoming investment directions in R&D and production in Vietnam?

Our flagship product portfolio includes: Continued expansion in bioequivalent EU-GMP-certified generics serving both domestic and export markets; Growth of Consumer Healthcare (CHC) brands, with a strong focus on local hero brands, heritage products, and new OTC launches; The launch of Nizoral® Cream in May 2025 - a global CHC brand - which marked a significant achievement in regulatory approval, marketing authorization transfer, and cross-functional collaboration

Looking ahead, our investment directions focus on: Strengthening technology transfer and manufacturing capabilities, particularly in injectables and biosimilars; Continued investment in automation, digitalization, and SAP S/4HANA integration to enhance efficiency; Expanding through business development, licensing, M&A, and strategic local partnerships to diversify our portfolio; Reducing cost of goods, optimizing supply chains, and accelerating time-to-market for new products

On R&D, we remain committed to market-leading launches, targeting over 7% annual revenue growth from new products. Our focus is on sustainable growth and innovation, ensuring alignment with both Vietnam’s healthcare priorities and global regulatory standards.

What policy reforms from Vietnam could help attract more investment from international pharmaceutical groups like STADA?

Vietnam has made strong progress, but there are opportunities to further enhance the investment climate. We would recommend: Streamlining regulatory procedures for drug registration and licensing, including referral pathways for faster access to innovative products; Developing digital platforms for real-time tracking of submissions, improving transparency and efficiency; Offering targeted incentives such as tax breaks for high-tech manufacturing, R&D, and technology transfer, as well as land and infrastructure support for pharma zones; Ensuring consistency and predictability of regulations across provinces and agencies; Promoting structured and regular public–private dialogues to exchange feedback and align priorities.

These reforms would not only attract more international investment but also accelerate Vietnam’s integration into the global pharmaceutical landscape.

In alignment with the trends of “green healthcare” and “sustainable pharmaceuticals,” what initiatives has Pymepharco implemented to reduce emissions, optimize operations, and fulfil ESG commitments?

Sustainability is a core pillar of STADA Group, which is ranked in the top 4% of the world’s most sustainable pharmaceutical companies (Sustainalytics). At STADA Pymepharco, ESG is not a compliance exercise but a strategic commitment.

On emissions reduction: We have installed a solar rooftop system at our first manufacturing site (PME-1), reducing reliance on fossil-based electricity; We closely monitor and report GHG emissions as part of STADA’s global EHS KPIs; Energy audits and targeted action plans - from air compression upgrades to lighting replacement - are carried out annually

On supply-production-packaging optimization: We operate closed-loop wastewater treatment systems with real-time monitoring, ensuring full compliance with QCVN standards; Air emissions are managed with HEPA filters, scrubbing systems, and ventilation standards; Automation in packaging and production improves efficiency and reduces waste; We have initiated compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) under Decree 08/2022/ND-CP for packaging waste.

On ESG commitments: Certified under ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety) since 2022; Over 30 EHS SOPs cover hazardous waste, chemicals, fire safety, and emergency response; Zero environmental violations recorded in the past three years; All staff undergo annual EHS training, with Emergency Response Teams active on both sites.

Through these initiatives, we contribute not only to STADA’s global sustainability reporting but also to Vietnam’s broader green development goals.

Thank you very much!

Source: Vietnam Business Forum