Bharat Biotech co-founder Dr Krishna Ella awarded Johns Hopkins’s Dean’s Medal

Hyderabad: Dr Krishna Ella, co-founder and executive chairman of Bharat Biotech, has been awarded the prestigious Dean’s Medal by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

The award was presented to Dr Ella during Bloomberg School’s Convocation Ceremony on May 22 in Baltimore, Maryland, for his exceptional leadership, enduring vision and contribution to improving public health.

John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health acknowledged Dr Ella’s pioneering work, remarkable influence, and determination to develop indigenous, innovative, and safe vaccines focused on global public health.

On receiving the Dean’s Medal, Dr Krishna Ella said, “I acknowledge this medal as a global recognition of India’s scientific excellence, and dedicate this medal to Bharat, which has shown remarkable success by advancing science and R&D, to our exemplary team of scientists, and the results of our strong commitment to the public.”

Under Dr Ella’s guidance, Bharat Biotech emerged as a leader in global biotechnology and vaccine innovation, with innovative vaccines, manufactured at large scale, and affordable costs. With a portfolio of over 19 vaccines, including the world’s first typhoid conjugate vaccine, Typbar TCV, rotavirus vaccine, ROTAVAC, and Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine, JENVAC.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Bharat Biotech developed COVAXIN, India’s first Indigenous Covid-19 vaccine in a record time, conducting the largest-ever human clinical trials and peer-reviewed by world-leading medical journals.

Under Dr Ella’s leadership, Bharat Biotech is developing promising vaccines against Cholera, Malaria, Tuberculosis, Chikungunya, Zika, S. ParatyphiA, S. Typhimurium, S. Enteritidis, etc., which are in crucial clinical trial phases.

Dr Ella is a first-generation entrepreneur, who established Bharat Biotech in 1996 and is widely acknowledged for not only leading his company to a leadership position in paediatric and adult vaccine development, but also for establishing world-class enterprises focused on human health, animal health (Biovet India), food processing (Ella Foods), and contract research services.

Dr Krishna Ella is acknowledged as the father of Genome Valley in Hyderabad, for his significant contributions in developing the vaccine ecosystem. which is now the largest cluster of life sciences in India. An ardent proponent of start-ups and innovation, he inspires the scientific world through his tireless dedication to making India a global powerhouse in vaccine research and development. He is further encouraging public and private sector collaboration.