Dr Bhan is 'BioSpectrum Person of the Year'

BANGALORE: Dr M K Bhan, secretary, Department of Biotechnology, was named the 'BioSpectrum Person of the Year 2005'.

This is in recognition of his efforts in addressing the concerns of various sectors of biotechnology in the national biotechnology strategy report, which he had drafted.

Dr NK Ganguly, director, ICMR, New Delhi, was selected for the Life Time Achievement Award 2005 for his path-breaking work in the past three-four decades, contribution to the evolution of biotech sector, and his visionary role.

Sudhir Pai, CEO and managing director, Lotus Labs, Bangalore, was chosen as the 'Entrepreneur of the Year' for his ability to bring results.

The quadravalent vaccines of Serum Institute of India and Shantha Biotechnics were jointly chosen as the Product of the Year.

Q-Vac of Serum Institute of India and Shantetra of Shantha Biotechnics Ltd are both combination (quadravalent) vaccines for DPT and Hepatitis B. A BioSpectrum statement said these products are very affordable.

The winners of the third BioSpectrum Industry Awards were chosen by a jury chaired by Dr Cyrus S Poonawalla, the 'BioSpectrum Person of the Year 2004.'

The jury comprised Prof A S Kolaskar, vice chancellor, Pune University, Dr K K Narayanan, MD, Metahelix, Sarath Naru, CEO, APIDC-VC, Deepanwita Chattopadhyay, CEO, ICICI Knowledge Park and Dr Arvind Babu, head (operations), Wellques and Shyam Malhotra, editor-in-chief and Abraham Mathew, chief editor, of the magazine.

The awards will be presented here on 19th December.

The previous winners of the award include, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Dr M S Swaminathan, Dr Poonawalla, and Dr Krishna Ella.

“Besides being a great scientist, Dr Bhan has proved that he is an able administrator also. His initiatives are showing results. There is an increased thrust to promote biotech entrepreneurs,” said Dr KK Narayanan, a jury member. “

“Dr Bhan's contributions are far more visible. He is very accessible to the industry,” added Dr Poonawalla.

Prof. Kolaskar said, “Interaction with the industry has improved a lot after he became secretary of Department of Biotechnology and he has been able to get a lot of attention for the industry.”

“Like Dr Bhan, the ICMR chief too is extremely open and has taken a lot of interest in building ICMR,” noted Dr Poonawalla.

“After he took charge of ICMR, Ganguly brought energy to the institution. ICMR has many first to its credit under his leadership,” said Prof. Kolaskar.

Lotus Labs has become a marquee name following the very high valuation it got during this year's acquisition by Iceland-based Actavis.

“Pai has built a good base as a biotech entrepreneur,” said Sarath Naru, jury member.

“The valuation for Lotus Labs has proved his skills and ability as an entrepreneur,” observed Chattopadhyay.

BioSpectrum is India's first exclusive monthly business magazine, launched by CyberMedia from Bangalore.

The magazine covers the developments in biotechnology extensively and proactively takes up industry issues to catalyze the growth of this new industry.

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