We frequently search for the most recent information about health, wealth, and politics when we turn on the television or flip through YouTube, newspaper or magazine. All these feeds in recent days are filled with information about the recently discovered HMPV (human metapneumovirus) and its spread.  People are getting the pandemic flashbacks. However, when we look back to the COVID-19 pandemic days, protecting over a billion people from a pandemic was easy, especially for a nation that historically invests too little in research. Nonetheless, the Indian pharmaceutical sector and pharma industry leaders demonstrated their vision, adaptability and tenacity with virus prevention techniques. The industry established consortiums at the earliest. The contribution and hard work of pharma industry leaders were priceless. Let's look at some of the influencing leaders in India’s pharmaceutical industry.

Dilip Shanghvi

Dilip Shanghvi is the founder, chairman, and managing director of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited. In addition, he serves as Chairman of Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company Ltd. Under his leadership, Sun Pharma's global reach grew steadily, and today, foreign markets account for almost two-thirds of its $5.3 billion yearly revenue. With the $576 million purchase of Concert Pharmaceuticals, a U.S.-based company, Sun Pharma achieved yet another significant milestone demonstrating its dedication to international growth and innovation.

Dilip's transformation from a one-room operation to a billion-dollar company is the perfect example of tenacity and strategic vision. From early financial limitations to negotiating the intricacies of international marketplaces and regulatory scrutiny, he has encountered his fair share of difficulties. However, he has been able to overcome every challenge because of his perseverance and consistent emphasis on patient requirements, quality, and cost.

Even though Dilip Shanghvi is currently among the richest people in India, he continues to serve as an inspiration to many would-be business owners. His rise from a young man from a rural town who invested Rs 10,000 to a wealthy industrialist demonstrates the transformational potential of business. The life of Dilip Shanghvi is a story of influence and legacy in addition to an inspirational rags-to-riches tale.

Glenn Saldanha

Glenn Saldanha is the chairman and managing director of the family-owned Indian business Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. He began as a director in 1998 and succeeded his father, Gracias Saldanha, who founded Glenmark, as managing director and chairman in 2001.

Glenn is in charge of all company operations in his capacity as chairman and managing director. He turned Glenmark into a genuinely international company during his time there, with operations in more than 80 nations. Under his direction, Glenmark has transformed from a generics company with an Indian brand to an organization focused on innovation and research. Following Glenn's acquisition, the company shifted its focus to developing novel medications and biosimilars for respiratory, dermatological, and cancer conditions, which it aimed to market by collaborating with large pharmaceutical firms. Glenn's goal is to find, create, and introduce India's first novel medication.

Umang Vohra

Since September 2016, Umang Vohra has served as the managing director and global chief executive officer of Cipla Limited, an Indian pharmaceutical firm. Umang worked with Dr. Reddy's, PepsiCo, and Eicher Motors after earning degrees in engineering, marketing, and finance. He has established a remarkable career with experience in a variety of industries and responsibilities, including generics, finance, sales and marketing, supply chain, and operations, among others, thanks to his prior positions in India and the US.

He served as Cipla's global chief operating officer and global chief financial officer before taking on his current position. The effective integration of Cipla's acquisitions in the US, which opened up more growth opportunities for Cipla in North America, was one of his notable accomplishments as CFO. As COO, he is known for restructuring Cipla's European business, allowing for increased profitability.

Sharvil Pankajbhai Patel

Zydus Lifesciences Ltd. is a global, innovation-focused life sciences company with over 70 years of experience in the healthcare sector, currently headed by Dr. Sharvil Patel as managing director. The organization was founded by Mr. Ramanbhai Patel in 1952. Today, the group engages in research, development, production, and distribution of an extensive array of biological products, vaccines, and pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, the company is specialized in advanced cancer detection testing. Third-generation entrepreneur Dr. Sharvil Patel chairs the board of Zydus Wellness Ltd., which boasts a portfolio of specialized products and well-known brands, while also creating several innovative offerings for health-conscious consumers.

Under Dr. Sharvil Patel's leadership, the organization has been inspired to explore various creative, patient-oriented, and progressive initiatives.

 

Zydus operates in more than 55 countries across Asia, Europe, Latin America, MENA, and North America, achieving a turnover exceeding 1936 million euros ($2.15 billion). In the US and Europe, the group has been making significant contributions to health and well-being for the past two decades.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

An international influencer, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is also a healthcare innovator, a biotechnology businesswoman, and a devoted philanthropist. She is the founder of Biocon which is one of the best biopharmaceutical enterprises in the world today and she is actively molding the landscape of biotechnology in India. She is a distinguished woman scientist who provides equal access to innovations that save lives and works toward reaching out to billions of people across the globe. Indian civilian honors Padma Bhushan and Padma Shi are awarded to her in 2005 and 1989 respectively.

She has created a healthy corporate environment that appreciates innovation, excellence, and, coexistence and empowers her people hence ensuring team participation and encouragement. In the end, besides her major contributions to many functional and professional bodies around the globe, she has been instrumental in Biocon’s expansion and development in India. Kiran is the first female Indian business leader, alongside the Gates Foundation’s Giving Pledge, to put the majority of her assets towards charitable donations.