IPA appoints Zydus Lifesciences MD Sharvil Patel as new President

Sharvil Patel takes over as President of IPA from Samir Mehta, with Glenn Saldanha appointed Vice President, as the industry navigates reforms and global challenges

The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) on Friday announced that Zydus Lifesciences Managing Director Sharvil Patel has taken over as the president of the organisation, succeeding Torrent Group Chairman Samir Mehta.

 

The IPA represents 23 leading national pharmaceutical companies, accounting for over 85 per cent of private sector investment in pharmaceutical research and development and more than 80 per cent of India’s drug and pharmaceutical exports.

 

Patel also serves as the chairman on the board of Zydus Wellness, the consumer healthcare subsidiary of Zydus Lifesciences. He has a specialisation in chemical and pharmaceutical sciences from the University of Sunderland, along with a doctorate from the same university.

 

As part of the reshuffle, Patel will be joined by Glenn Saldanha, chairman and managing director at Glenmark, who has been appointed as vice president.

 

The pharma body said that the leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment for the Indian pharmaceutical industry. “Recent GST reforms have set the stage for a more affordable and patient-centric healthcare ecosystem. At the same time, India continues to strengthen its position as a hub for specialty medicines, biosimilars, and cutting-edge therapies,” it added in its statement.

 

The pharma industry is also facing a 100 per cent tariff on exports of branded and patented drugs to the United States (US). The tariffs, however, leave generics, which make up almost 78 per cent of India’s total pharma exports to the US, out of its purview.

 

“With the new leadership team, we will continue to build on recent reforms and breakthroughs with a focus on innovation, patient access, and the highest standards of quality in healthcare,” said Sudarshan Jain, IPA secretary general.