Pune: Dr. Cyrus S. Poonawalla, Chairman of the Serum Institute of India, was conferred with the prestigious 2nd Dr. K. Anji Reddy Memorial Fellowship for Affordable Biopharmaceuticals by the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT Mumbai). The honor recognizes Dr. Poonawalla’s pioneering contributions to global healthcare and his exceptional leadership in biopharmaceutical innovation.
The award, instituted to commemorate the legacy of Dr. K. Anji Reddy, the visionary founder of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, celebrates individuals who have significantly advanced the pharmaceutical industry.
The felicitation ceremony was held at Hotel Ritz Carlton, Pune, on January 21, 2025, in the presence of Chief Guest Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, Padma Vibhushan awardee, and key dignitaries including Professor Anniruddha B. Pandit, Vice Chancellor, ICT Mumbai, and Maharashtra’s Minister for Higher and Technical Education, Chandrakant Patil.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Poonawalla reflected on the critical role of affordable vaccines in addressing global health challenges. He highlighted Serum Institute’s self-reliant production of the COVID-19 vaccine without external funding, emphasizing the personal and financial risks undertaken to ensure its safety and efficacy.
“Among all the honors I’ve received, this fellowship holds a special place as it underscores the importance of making medicines accessible to everyone,” Dr. Poonawalla remarked.
Chandrakant Patil lauded Dr. Poonawalla for his vision, particularly in spearheading a forthcoming vaccine aimed at combating breast and cervical cancer. “We look forward to a campaign that ensures women in India are free from the shadow of cancer, much like the success we achieved in eradicating polio,” he said.
Chief Guest Dr. R. A. Mashelkar praised Dr. Poonawalla as a “living legend,” likening his legacy to that of Dr. K. Anji Reddy. “Both leaders transformed the pharmaceutical landscape, making life-saving medicines and vaccines accessible to millions,” he noted.
ICT Mumbai’s Vice Chancellor, Professor A. B. Pandit, shared insights into the groundbreaking initiatives at Mumbai Biocluster, a platform for advancing biopharmaceutical research and development through academia-industry collaboration.
Dr. Ratnesh Jain, Founder of Mumbai Biocluster, commended Dr. Poonawalla’s contributions, stating, “Dr. Poonawalla has redefined global healthcare through innovation, making India a leader in affordable healthcare solutions.”
