KIRAN MAZUMDAR-SHAW, executive chairperson, Biocon and Biocon Biologics, pioneered the biotech sector in India in 1978 and built a global company, despite the lack of a favourable ecosystem, funding or policies. Today, the biosimilars business, operated by subsidiary Biocon Biologics Ltd., has crossed $1 billion in revenue (FY24), with eight biosimilars commercialised in global markets.
Biocon ranks among the top 10 global biotech, pharma and biopharma employers worldwide. With a total income of ₹15,621 crore, it employs over 16,300 people and sells medicines in over 120 countries from eight manufacturing facilities. The biosimilars segment is growing steadily (up 58% YoY in FY24).
The company is investing in novel biological drugs and differentiated biologics. Shaw has also created Syngene, a global contract research organisation and contract development and manufacturing organisation. — P.B. Jayakumar