Heposal is a liver health supplement developed by CVI Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Joint Stock Company, based on the outcomes of a scientific research project led by Dr. Trần Đức Dũng. With a solid scientific foundation protected by patents in the United States and Taiwan, Heposal is not merely a commercial product but a prominent example of translating laboratory research into market-ready innovation.
The core distinction of Heposal lies in its use of Ưng bất bạc, a rare medicinal herb native to Vietnam. Though traditionally used in folk medicine, this herb has not been fully utilized at an industrial scale. Through the application of advanced extraction technology and the standardization of active compounds in accordance with international benchmarks, the research team successfully formulated a solution that optimizes liver protection and regeneration, while ensuring long-term stability and safety for users. Compared to most liver supplements on the market—which commonly rely on artichoke extracts, milk thistle, or synthetic vitamins—Heposal offers a more localized solution with proven effectiveness in treating hepatitis B and C, fatty liver, elevated liver enzymes, and cirrhosis.
One remarkable aspect of Heposal‘s technological development journey is the fusion of traditional medicine and modern science. The development team went beyond product innovation by creating an entire value chain starting from the cultivation areas in Nghệ An and Hà Tĩnh provinces. By proactively establishing raw material zones, transferring cultivation techniques to local farmers, and standardizing the preliminary processing of medicinal herbs under GMP standards, Heposal was able to control input quality while simultaneously generating sustainable economic value for local communities.
The commercialization of the product also reflects the thorough preparation of the founding team. Beyond retail distribution, Heposal has entered the market through a network of more than 10,000 pharmacies nationwide, becoming a flagship product in the liver health support segment. Notably, Heposal was selected as one of the Top 10 in the Techfest 2017 National Innovative Startup Talent Search and received the National Strong Brand Award in 2023—demonstrating broad recognition from both industry experts and consumers. Through initiatives like Techfest, Heposal not only gained mentorship from experts but also accessed effective investment and media channels to expand brand awareness.
From the story of Heposal, valuable lessons can be drawn for founders aiming to develop products from scientific research. First and foremost, securing intellectual property rights from the outset is a critical factor that enables a product to compete not only domestically but also in international markets. Second, technology must be integrally linked to practical manufacturing capabilities. The combination of product development and the construction of a sustainable supply chain is essential for ensuring quality and minimizing risks during scaling. Third, the most important lesson lies in understanding the market. Even a scientifically robust product will not succeed without a well-defined distribution strategy, brand positioning, and user acquisition roadmap.
Amidst the growing number of tech startups emerging from research institutes and universities, Heposal presents a concrete and realistic development model: transforming knowledge into societal value by blending innovation with cultural identity to create solutions that are not only scientifically effective but also aligned with community needs. Although this path is challenging, if strategically planned, it holds the potential to drive systemic transformation within Vietnam’s innovation and startup ecosystem.
