The Indian Vaccine Manufacturers Association (IVMA) has announced Dr. Krishna M Ella as the association’s new President for a two-year period from April 2024-2026.
Dr. Ella takes over the Presidency from Adar C Poonawala who held the post from 2019 to March 2024. For the current two-year term, Mahima Datla, Managing Director of Biological E assumes the role of Vice President, T. Srinivas, CFO of Bharat Biotech, will be Treasurer and Dr. Harshavardhan, will continue as Director General of IVMA.
Talking about the appointment, Dr. Harshavardhan, Director General, IVMA said, “Dr. Ella’s expertise and entrepreneurial spirit are exactly what the vaccine industry needs to navigate the complex challenges of the 21st century. His commitment to innovation and global health equity is well known, and it will undoubtedly help lead the industry in bringing transformative advancements in vaccine innovation, research, and manufacturing capabilities of India.”
Dr. Ella, Co-Founder, Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech, acknowledged as the father of Genome Valley, and known for his work in biotechnology with his leadership in the biotech industry. “Vaccines are the vital pillar of global health, and the IVMA mission is to ensure that every individual, regardless of where they live, has access to life-saving immunisations. Innovation, sustainability, and equity are the foundations of our collective vision, and 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,” Dr. Krishna M Ella, President, IVMA stated.
His appointment comes at a time when the world is grappling with emerging infectious diseases and the need for preventative vaccine research and development, and access to safe and affordable vaccines, is more pressing than ever.
With this appointment, the IVMA aims to fortify collaboration between vaccine manufacturers, researchers and policymakers to accelerate the development of new vaccines and improve production processes. Most importantly fosters the growth of startups, industry-academia, as well as Public-Private- Partnerships.
