Long Châu partners with AstraZeneca to bring rare medicines to Vietnam

Long Châu and AstraZeneca (UK) have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at expanding access to next-generation therapies for rare diseases and severe chronic conditions in Vietnam. The initiative is expected to support hundreds of thousands of patients living with severe asthma, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), leveraging Long Châu’s nationwide pharmacy network.

Cause: expanding access to advanced treatments

The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) notes that severe asthma remains a significant health burden in many countries, accounting for about 4% of asthma cases. Vietnam has more than 4 million people with asthma, and according to GINA, about 160,000 people face severe asthma. A global study cited in the article indicates that more than 50% of severe asthma patients still rely on oral corticosteroids, with frequent exacerbations, hospitalizations, impaired lung function and prolonged impacts on quality of life.

For SLE, the article states that Vietnam’s estimated prevalence is 20–150 per 100,000 people, equivalent to nearly 55,000 individuals. Most patients are diagnosed between ages 15–45, and women are affected much more than men at about 9:1. The article also cites that up to 83.8% of newly diagnosed patients have active to very active disease, with hematologic and renal involvement among the most common manifestations—making early diagnosis and access to advanced treatment important.

For aHUS, the article describes the condition as rare and characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and acute kidney injury. It adds that treatment is complex and can impose time, psychological and financial burdens on patients and families.

Development: therapies introduced through Long Châu’s network

From today, solutions to support treatment for severe asthma, SLE and aHUS are available through Long Châu’s nationwide network of nearly 2,500 pharmacies.

Severe asthma: tezepelumab

In the collaboration, Long Châu and AstraZeneca launch a solution applying the active ingredient tezepelumab. AstraZeneca states the therapy targets thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), described as an upstream driver in the inflammatory cascade, and is intended to offer hope for controlling disease across multiple asthma phenotypes. Clinical studies referenced in the article indicate reduced hospitalization rates for certain eligible patients.

SLE: anifrolumab

The article also notes that a new generation solution is officially presented at Long Châu, with nearly 55,000 systemic lupus erythematosus patients able to access it easily. Long Châu and AstraZeneca introduce a therapy using the active ingredient anifrolumab, which the article says has been approved by the U.S. FDA and the Vietnamese Ministry of Health for the treatment of moderate-to-severe SLE in adults on standard therapy.

According to the article, clinical trial data indicate the therapy targets the type I interferon signaling pathway, contributing to better disease control and reducing the long-term corticosteroid burden. The article advises patients to consult medical professionals and use the therapy only as prescribed.

aHUS: eculizumab

In addition to severe asthma and lupus, the collaboration expands access to a rare disease: atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). The article states that in 2011, the active ingredient eculizumab was approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of aHUS, and that Long Châu is the first pharmacy to bring this solution to Vietnam.

Data and scale: network coverage and patient reach

The article says nearly 2,500 Long Châu pharmacies across 34 provinces serve as first healthcare touchpoints, helping people access rare medicines and next-generation therapies at optimized costs. It also emphasizes that pharmacists provide guidance on correct usage according to prescriptions and support patients throughout their health journey.

Impact: reducing burden and supporting long-term care

The partners describe the collaboration as aligned with a long-term vision to reduce the burden of chronic and rare diseases on the community in a sustainable manner. The article also states that, under the principle of “no one is left behind,” Long Châu and its long-term partner will build supporting programs to reduce treatment costs and expand access to next-generation medical solutions for patients.

Analysis and broader programs

Beyond expanding the health solutions catalog, the article says Long Châu and AstraZeneca will implement comprehensive programs including raising community awareness about diseases, strengthening training and developing professional capacity for pharmacists, and helping patients access products and care programs conveniently and in line with needs.

The article further states that the initiative responds to the spirit of Resolution 72-NQ/TW by the Politburo and Resolution 282/NQ-CP by the Government, describing years of strengthened strategic partnerships with reputable pharmaceutical companies to bring advanced global medical knowledge and safe, transparent products and services to millions of Vietnamese families.