IPA Names Sharvil Patel President & Glenn Saldanha Vice-President

The new team will lead the IPA to support India’s growing role in global healthcare and guide the industry’s shift from being mainly generics-led to one focused on research, innovation, and advanced manufacturing.

The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) has appointed Dr Sharvil P. Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences, as its new President.

Glenn Saldanha, Chairman and Managing Director of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, has been named Vice-President, succeeding Samir Mehta, Chairman of Torrent Group.

The new team will lead the IPA to support India’s growing role in global healthcare and guide the industry’s shift from being mainly generics-led to one focused on research, innovation, and advanced manufacturing.

The IPA represents 23 leading research-based pharmaceutical companies that contribute more than 85 % of India’s private-sector R&D investment and account for most of the country’s medicine exports.

It works with regulators and policymakers to promote quality standards, innovation, and policy changes that shape the sector’s growth.

Dr. Sharvil P. Patel, the new president of IPA, has over two decades of experience in the pharmaceutical industry.

At Zydus Lifesciences, he has overseen the company’s expansion into new areas, including novel drugs, biologics, vaccines, and consumer health. He also chairs Zydus Wellness and is involved in several industry committees focused on R&D and public health.

Dr. Patel said, “I am honored to take on this role and thank Mr Samir Mehta for his outstanding stewardship in strengthening IPA’s voice and impact. Building on this foundation, breakthroughs at Zydus, such as India’s first NCE, our foray into MedTech and the global CDMO business, and our advances in vaccines and biologics, inspire my vision to build a strong, self-reliant India.”

Glenn Saldanha, the new vice president of IPA, who leads Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, has guided the company’s growth into a research-focused global organisation with a strong presence in specialty and innovative medicines.

Saldanha said, “Our recent global partnership with AbbVie is a strong example of how Indian pharma is moving up the innovation curve, and together we will strengthen India’s leadership in delivering high-quality, affordable, and futureready healthcare solutions.”

Exiting President Samir Mehta said the leadership change comes at a time when Indian pharma is preparing for its next phase of global growth. He said, “Together, we strengthened the industry’s voice and reinforced

its role in delivering affordable and innovative healthcare solutions globally. I am confident that under the new leadership team, IPA will continue to shape the future of global healthcare.”

IPA Secretary General Sudarshan Jain stated, “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.”

With the new leadership taking charge, the IPA is expected to focus on policies that support innovation, regulatory alignment, and quality excellence.

The alliance will continue to work toward ensuring that India remains a reliable source of affordable and high-quality medicines for global markets.

Stay tuned for more such updates on Digital Health News