Ho Nhan, the esteemed CEO of Nanogen and a trailblazer in Vietnam’s quest for a Covid-19 vaccine, has passed away at the age of 59. His family confirmed the heartbreaking news early Tuesday, creating a void in the burgeoning biotechnology landscape of Vietnam.
Nguyen Thi Son, his mother-in-law and the founder of the Son Kim Group—a family enterprise with interests spanning real estate and retail—spoke about his health struggles on social media. She revealed that despite battling heart disease and often expressing fatigue, Hnan remained unyieldingly dedicated to his work.
A native of New York, Nhan honed his expertise by obtaining a Ph.D. in biotechnology from the University of Arizona. After years spent researching abroad, he returned home in 1997 and established Nanogen Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Jsc, a pioneering force in the field. He led the company as chairman and CEO until 2021, when he passed the baton to his wife, Nguyen Thi Hong Van. However, just six months later, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, he resumed his role as CEO and continued to drive the company forward until his untimely death.
In 2019, Nanogen was valued at over VND5 trillion (approximately US$193 million), with Nhan holding a commanding 59.6% stake in the company and Van owning 14.6%. Notably, Nanogen was among the few Vietnamese organizations at the forefront of researching Covid-19 vaccines and made history in late 2020 as the first to initiate human trials for its vaccine, NanoCovax. By the following year, the research team reported that a 25-microgram dose provided nearly 52% protective efficacy after 180 days—an impressive feat amid a global health crisis.
Nanogen’s success isn’t solely measured in efficacy statistics; the company has been pivotal in producing pharmaceutical raw materials and injectable drugs utilizing advanced technologies. Adding another layer to Nhan’s rich background, he also brought financial acumen to the table, serving on the board of directors at Vina Securities Company from 2013 to 2016 and earning accolades for his expertise in mergers and acquisitions in the pharmaceutical, hospital, and medical equipment sectors across the U.S. and Hong Kong.
In the wake of his passing, Vietnam not only mourns a leader in biotechnology, but it also loses a visionary who combined passion and resilience to achieve the remarkable.
Questions & Answers
What was Ho Nhan’s role in the development of Covid-19 vaccines in Vietnam?
Ho Nhan was the CEO of Nanogen, which was among the first organizations in Vietnam to conduct human trials for a Covid-19 vaccine, NanoCovax.
What were some significant achievements of Nanogen under Ho Nhan’s leadership?
Under Nhan’s guidance, Nanogen became known for producing pharmaceutical raw materials and injectable drugs using cutting-edge technologies, and it achieved a company valuation of over VND5 trillion in 2019.
What other expertise did Ho Nhan possess beyond biotechnology?
In addition to his work in biotechnology, Ho Nhan had a substantial background in finance, including serving on the board of directors at Vina Securities Company and being recognized for his expertise in mergers and acquisitions in various sectors.
