Patron Profile

Dr. Koduru Vara Prasada Reddy

PG Diploma in Computer Sciences from Biblingen University, West Germany in 1971.

MBA from Osmania University in 1980.

Telugu Literature, Carnatic Music and Veena.

In 2005, PADMA BHUSHAN by Government of India

In 2005, Honorary Doctorate from SV University, Tirupati.

In 2005, DBT Award for Shanpoietin by Dept. of Biotechnology.

In 2005, Best Technology Development in R&D Award for Shankinase in FAPCCI Awards by Fedn., of AP Chambers of Commerce & Industry.

In 2004, Best New Product Innovation Award for Shanferon in FAPCCI Awards by Federation of AP Chambers of Commerce & Industry.

In 2003, National Technology Award for successful commercialization of Scientific Products forShanferon.

In 2003, DSIR Awardfor Best R & D Efforts in industry for Shanferon by the Dept. of Scientific Industrial Research, Govt. of India.

In 2002, Pragna Bharati Puraskar by State Bank of India.

In 2000, Ernst & Young - Entrepreneur of the Year for healthcare and life-sciences.

In 2000, Visishta Puraskar by Dr. Ramineni Foundation.

In 2000, National Citizen's Overseas Award.

In 1999, National Technology Award for successful commercialization of Scientific Products forShanvac-B.

In 1999, Best Marketing Efforts in FAPCCI Awards by Fedn., of AP Chambers of Commerce & Industry.

In 1998, DSIR Award for Best R & D Efforts in industry for Shanvac-B by the Dept. of Scientific Industrial Research, Govt. of India.

In 1998, Distinguished Entrepreneur Award by Institute of Public Enterprise.

In 1998, ATA Award for Research in the field of Biotechnology by (American Telugu Assn.).

In 1986, Best Exporter in FAPCCI Awards by Federation of AP Chambers of Commerce & Industry.

In 1980, Best Manager Award by Hyderabad Management Association.

In 1961, Madras University Award as University first in Telugu in SSLC examination.

Chairman and Managing Director,
Shantha Biotechnics Pvt. Ltd.

Started his career as Research scientist in DLRL (Defence Electronics Research Laboratories), Hyderabad. During 1977-85, worked in APIDC (Andhra Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation) and promoted number of industries and assisted entrepreneurs in their project implementation.

In 1985 left Government service to become an Entrepreneur by joining Hyderabad Batteries Ltd. Co-promoted Sabnife Power Systems Limited, an Indo Swedish joint venture for development and production of High Technology based batteries for Defence applications – like Submarine batteries, MIG Air Craft batteries, etc.

In 1992, he promoted Shantha Biotechnics Private Limited with an objective of developing recombinant based vaccines and therapeutic proteins for human healthcare. The mission is to produce cost-effective drugs to reach the common man at an affordable price even while maintaining International standards in quality. Some of the products:

• SHANVAC-B: India's first genetically engineered product SHANVAC-B vaccine against Hepatitis-B was developed through in-house R&D and commercially launched in the year 1997. This product made the country proud because of its high efficacy and low cost and won National Technology award in 1999.
• SHANFERON: India's first indigenous recombinant Interferon Alpha-2b was launched in the market in 2002 under the brand name SHANFERON, a therapeutic drug for the treatment of various types of Cancer. This too won National Technology Award 2003 for efficacy and low cost.
• SHANKINASE: Country's first indigenous recombinant Streptokinase was launched in 2004. It is the primary drug for dissolving blood clots and used as a life saving drug in case of acute heart attacks and other conditions like deep vein thrombosis, arterial occlusions and pulmonary embolism.
• SHANPOIETIN: Launched in 2005, this first indigenous recombinant Erythropoietin is useful to anemic patients since it helps rising hemoglobin levels and thereby improving the quality of life of patients suffering from chronic renal failure or HIV related anemia. It also helps cancer patients on chemotherapy, and those recovering from surgery.

Married in 1973 to Smt. Vasantha. The couple is blessed with two daughters.

He makes it a point to attend the Alumni Meets without fail in spite of all his busy schedules.