Personal Information
- Full Name: Dr. Cyrus S. Poonawalla
- Date of Birth: January 1941
- Place of Birth: Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Occupation: Businessman, Founder of Serum Institute of India
- Spouse: Villoo Poonawalla (deceased)
- Children: Adar Poonawalla
Early Life and Education
- Cyrus Poonawalla was born into a family involved in the horse racing and breeding business, owning the Poonawalla Stud Farms.
- He completed his education at the Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce (BMCC) in Pune and showed early entrepreneurial instincts despite being immersed in the family’s equestrian trade.
Founding of Serum Institute of India (1966)
- In 1966, Poonawalla founded Serum Institute of India to produce affordable vaccines for India and other developing countries.
- The idea was born from his observation that imported vaccines were expensive and in short supply.
- With an initial focus on tetanus antitoxin and anti-snake venom, Serum Institute gradually expanded to other life-saving vaccines.
Rise to Global Leadership in Vaccines
- Today, Serum Institute is the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by doses produced and sold globally, supplying vaccines to over 170 countries.
- It produces vaccines for diseases such as polio, diphtheria, tetanus, measles, hepatitis, and more.
COVID-19 Response
- Poonawalla played a critical role in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Serum Institute partnered with AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford to produce the Covishield vaccine, which became a key component of India’s vaccination program.
- The company also collaborated with Novavax to develop and distribute other COVID-19 vaccines.
Philanthropy and Social Contributions
- The Poonawalla Foundation supports healthcare, education, and sanitation initiatives.
- The family has funded several hospitals, research institutions, and public health initiatives.
- Contributions to modernizing public transport and city infrastructure in Pune are also notable.
Awards and Recognition
- Padma Bhushan (2005): One of India’s highest civilian awards.
- Honored by multiple global organizations for contributions to healthcare and vaccine accessibility.
- Recognized as one of the wealthiest individuals in India by Forbes.
Challenges and Resilience
- Cyrus Poonawallafaced challenges related to vaccine pricing, regulatory hurdles, and scaling up production during the pandemic.
- His leadership ensured that Serum Institute met global demands despite production and distribution constraints.
Legacy
His pioneering vision and commitment to affordable healthcare have earned him the title of “Vaccine King”, cementing his place as one of the most influential figures in global health.
