Pankaj Patel

$7.75 B

Ranked #462 in World

About Pankaj Patel

Indian billionaire Pankaj R. Patel, born on 16 March 1953, emerged as a pivotal force in India's pharmaceutical landscape, helming Zydus Lifesciences, India’s fifth-largest pharma company. A Gujarat University alumnus, Patel's strategic leadership transformed Zydus from a precarious financial standing into a global innovation hub, developing breakthrough therapies like the diabetic medication Lipaglyn and the H1N1 vaccine VaxiFlu-s. With esteemed positions in national scientific and economic boards, Patel's accolades include "Best Pharma Man of the year 2003" and a ranking in the prominent Pharma 40 list, mirroring his influence in healthcare innovation.

Born

March 19, 1953

Age

73 years

Source Of Wealth

Pharmaceuticals

Industries

Healthcare

Citizenship

India

Residence

Ahmedabad

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Gujarat University; Master of Science, Gujarat University

Pankaj Ramanbhai Patel, an Indian billionaire businessman and chairman of Zydus Lifesciences, was born on 16 March 1953. He belongs to the Gujarati community. During his student days, he was a leader of the Rashtriya Vidhyarthi Parishad and an active leader of the Navmiraman Movement. Patel holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy and Master of Pharmacy degrees from L.M. College of Pharmacy, Gujarat University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Science and Law from the University of Mumbai.

Pankaj Patel: Family

Pankaj Patel is married to Priti Patel, daughter of Dr. B D Patel. They have two children: Dr. Sharvil Patel, who is the managing director of Cadila Healthcare Ltd., and Shivani, who is married to Pranav D Patel.

Pankaj Patel: Career Highlights

Patel joined Cadila Healthcare in 1976 after completing his education. In 1995, Cadila Laboratories and Cadila Healthcare split under the Zydus Group. After a formal separation between the two founding families, Patel took charge of Zydus Lifesciences and Cadila Healthcare in the same year. Despite facing challenges, such as a Rs 200-crore company with overheads of Rs 400 crore, Patel led the company to significant growth.

One of Patel's notable achievements was the development of the first Indian drug for high-cholesterol diabetics called Lipaglyn in 2013. He also created the Sugar Free brand and Everyuth face wash. Patel played a crucial role in combating swine flu by launching VaxiFlu-s, the first Indian H1N1 vaccine.

Under Patel's leadership, Zydus Lifesciences grew to become the fifth largest drugmaker in India with operations in 70 countries worldwide. He formed an alliance with German biotech firm Pieris Pharmaceuticals to develop and market a new class of protein therapeutics. Patel was also the first to file to sell a generic version of Shire PLC's ulcer drug, Lialda, in the United States.

In addition to his role at Zydus Lifesciences, Patel is the chairman of Zydus Hospitals, a large chain of hospitals in Gujarat.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, he ramped up production to become one of the largest suppliers of hydroxychloroquine and developed a variant of Remdesivir. Patel is also involved in the development of a vaccine called Zycov-D to fight Covid.

Pankaj Patel: Companies

Pankaj Patel is associated with the following companies:

Zydus Lifesciences
Cadila Healthcare Ltd.
Zydus Hospitals
Pieris Pharmaceuticals

Pankaj Patel: Major Achievements

Some of Pankaj Patel's major achievements include:

Developed the first Indian drug for high-cholesterol diabetics (Lipaglyn).
Created the Sugar Free brand and Everyuth face wash.
Played a crucial role in fighting against swine flu by launching VaxiFlu-s, the first Indian H1N1 vaccine.
Led Zydus Lifesciences to become the fifth largest drugmaker in India with operations in 70 countries worldwide.
Formed an alliance with German biotech firm Pieris Pharmaceuticals for developing and marketing a new class of protein therapeutics.
First to file to sell a generic version of Shire PLC's ulcer drug, Lialda, in the U.S.
Ramped up production during Covid-19 pandemic to become one of the largest suppliers of hydroxychloroquine and developed a variant of Remdesivir.
Developing a vaccine to fight Covid called Zycov-D.

Pankaj Patel: Awards & Achievements

Pankaj Patel has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to the pharmaceutical industry and society. Some of his notable awards include:

"Best Pharma Man of the year 2003" by the Foundation of Indian Industry and Economists.
Published over 100 research papers in peer reviewed journals and co-inventor in more than 64 patents.
Conferred with Dsc. (Honoris Causa) by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow.
Ranked in the First Pharma 40 list of ‘world's most influential people in the field of healthcare’ by World Pharmaceutical Frontiers.
Recipient of several awards including the Acharya PC Ray Memorial Gold Medal Award, the Eminent Pharmacist Award, the India Innovator Award, and the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Pankaj Patel: Personal Life & Legacy

Pankaj Patel enjoys traveling, especially near rivers or mountains, and is interested in theatre. He is known for his philanthropic work and believes in non-monetary aspects of philanthropy like giving time, ideas, and volunteering. In August 2012, Patel purchased a Challenger-604 jet with Dinesh Patel.

Pankaj Patel: Trivia

Pankaj Patel is a well-known philanthropist in India and believes in the non-monetary aspects of philanthropy, such as giving time, ideas, and volunteering. He is also a member of several prestigious societies and organizations, including the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, Indian Drug Manufacturers Association, Basic Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics Export Promotion Council, and Gujarat Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Wealth History

Timeline

16 March 1953

Pankaj Ramanbhai Patel is born.

1976

Pankaj Ramanbhai Patel joins Cadila Healthcare after graduation.

1995

Cadila Laboratories and Cadila Healthcare split under Zydus Group.

1995

Pankaj Ramanbhai Patel takes charge of Zydus Lifesciences after a formal separation between the two founding families from Zydus Cadila to Zydus Lifesciences and Cadila Healthcare.

2003

Pankaj Ramanbhai Patel is awarded the "Best Pharma Man of the year" by the Foundation of Indian Industry and Economists.

2012

Pankaj Ramanbhai Patel purchases a Challenger-604 jet with Dinesh Patel.

2013

Zydus Lifesciences develops the first Indian drug for high-cholesterol diabetics (Lipaglyn).

2016-2017

Pankaj Ramanbhai Patel serves as President of FICCI.

2019

Pankaj Ramanbhai Patel is ranked in the First Pharma 40 list of 'world's most influential people in the field of healthcare' by World Pharmaceutical Frontiers.

2020

Zydus Lifesciences ramps up production during the Covid-19 pandemic to become one of the largest suppliers of hydroxychloroquine and develops a variant of Remdesivir.

Pankaj Patel : FAQs

What is Pankaj Patel's current net worth?

Pankaj Patel's current net worth is $7.75 billion.

What is Pankaj Patel's current global rank among billionaires?

Pankaj Patel holds the 462nd position globally among billionaires.

What is Pankaj Patel's current ranking within the India?

Pankaj Patel holds the 19th position in India.

What was the change in Pankaj Patel's net worth compared to the previous year?

Pankaj Patel's net worth decreased by 554.72 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 8.30 billion dollars.

What are Pankaj Patel's main sources of wealth?

Pankaj Patel's main source of income comes from Pharmaceuticals.

In which industry does Pankaj Patel primarily operate?

Pankaj Patel is primarily involved in the Healthcare industry.

What is Pankaj Patel educational background?

Pankaj Patel holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Gujarat University and a Master of Science from Gujarat University.

How old is Pankaj Patel?

Pankaj Patel is 73 years old.

How many children does Pankaj Patel have?

Pankaj Patel has 2 children.

Who is Pankaj Ramanbhai Patel and what is his role in Zydus Lifesciences?

Pankaj Ramanbhai Patel is an Indian billionaire businessman and the chairman of Zydus Lifesciences, the fifth largest pharmaceutical company in India.

What challenges did Pankaj Patel face when taking charge of Zydus Lifesciences and how did he overcome them?

When Pankaj Patel took charge in 1995, Zydus Lifesciences faced challenges as a Rs 200-crore company with overheads of Rs 400 crore. He overcame these by developing innovative products like the first Indian drug for high-cholesterol diabetics (Lipaglyn), launching brands like Sugar Free and Everyuth, and ramping up production during the Covid-19 pandemic.

What leadership roles has Pankaj Patel fulfilled and how has he contributed to the field of education and healthcare?

Pankaj Patel has held numerous leadership positions, including President of FICCI, board member and Chairman of the Board of governors of IIM Ahmedabad, Chairman of the IISER Kolkata and IIT Bhubaneswar, and executive roles within the Gujarat Cancer Society. He has played a significant role in the management and advancement of various educational and health institutions across India.

What honors has Pankaj Ramanbhai Patel received for his contributions to the pharmaceutical industry?

Pankaj Ramanbhai Patel has received multiple honors including 'Best Pharma Man of the year 2003,' Dsc. (Honoris Causa) from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, and was listed in Pharma 40 as one of the most influential people in healthcare. He's also been awarded the Acharya PC Ray Memorial Gold Medal Award, the Eminent Pharmacist Award, the India Innovator Award, and the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Can you describe Pankaj Patel's personal interests and philanthropic activities?

Pankaj Patel is married with two children and enjoys traveling, especially to natural landscapes, and has an interest in theatre. He is also a well-known philanthropist in India who values non-monetary forms of giving, such as volunteering time and ideas.