Bharat Biotech’s Krishna Ella Leads Indian Vaccine Manufacturers

In a significant development, the Indian Vaccine Manufacturers Association (IVMA) has announced the appointment of Krishna Ella, co-founder and executive chairman of Bharat Biotech, as its new president for the next two years, effective April 2024. Ella will take over the presidency from Adar C. Poonawala, who held the position from 2019 to March 2024.

Leadership Roles and Priorities

For the current two-year term, the IVMA has appointed the following key roles:

• Vice President: Mahima Datla, Managing Director of Biological E
• Treasurer: T. Srinivas, CFO of Bharat Biotech
• Director General: Dr. Harshavardhan (continuing his role)

Ensuring Equitable Access to Vaccines

In a statement, Ella emphasized the vital role of vaccines in global health and the IVMA’s mission to ensure that every individual, regardless of their location, has access to life-saving immunizations. He highlighted the importance of innovation, sustainability, and equity as the foundations of their collective vision.

“I am pleased to serve IVMA along with its distinguished members and contribute to its vision to protect and enhance public health in India and the developing world,” Ella said.

Supporting Africa’s Public Health Vision

Ella urged IVMA members to support African nations’ public health vision and stressed the need to formulate policies and regulations in line with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). This, he believes, will help the industry become globally competitive and fortify India’s vision to boost the level playing field worldwide in preventive care.

Industry Appreciation and IVMA’s Mission

Expressing confidence in Ella’s leadership, Dr. Harshavardhan stated, “Dr. Ella’s expertise and entrepreneurial spirit are exactly what the vaccine industry needs to navigate the complex challenges of the 21st century.”

The IVMA’s mission is to bring to the fore the Indian private sector human vaccine manufacturers’ concerns related to the progress and profitability of the industry. It also aims to streamline regulatory pathways and matters related to audits and inspections in consultations with the national Central Drugs Standard and Control Organisation.