About Us
Gland Group
Gland group of companies was founded by Mr. PVN Raju in 1974 in Hyderabad
Gland Chemicals, flagship company of the group is engaged in manufacture of specialized biochemicals and operates global scale facilities in Bengaluru, Aurangabad (API manufacturing) and Chennai (Formulations)
In addition, the group has built a world-class and world-scale injectable manufacturing company - Gland Pharma which was divested in 2017
In April 2024, GCBC Vaccines (part of Gland Family Office, with deep experience in global-scale injectables manufacturing) acquired both the Medchal and Muppireddypally manufacturing facilities from Sanofi
GCBC Vaccines
A leader in vaccine development and injectables, originated from Shantha Biotechnics — India's first company to develop a recombinant human healthcare product.
Since 1993 the site has been dedicated to delivering affordable healthcare solutions, with a strong focus on vaccines and sterile injectable products. Our mission is rooted in innovation, quality, and equitable global access to essential biologics.
Leadership Team
The group is run by a team of professionals led by Dr. Ravi Penmetsa and Dr. Vishy Chebrol, who have deep experience in building and operating businesses in the pharma industry.
GCBC Vaccines is led by Dr. MRK Raju, who is an expert in the end-to-end life cycle management of Vaccines and Biomolecules. Has 25 years of experience with a Ph.D in Microbiology & Immunology from Australia.
Iswara Varaprasad Reddy Koduru
Chairman & Director
Dr. Varaprasad Reddy is an Indian entrepreneur and founder of vaccine manufacturing company Shantha Biotechnics. Varaprasad Reddy established Shantha Biotechnics Ltd. in 1993. Shantha Biotechnics Ltd. made the country’s first indigenously developed recombinant hepatitis B vaccine. The Govt of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan award in 2005 for his contribution in the field of science and engineering.
Ravindranath Penmetsa
Managing Director
Dr. Ravi Penmetsa is a medical doctor from Osmania University, he practiced internal medicine in US for 7 years before he joined group of operations in 1992. He is a member of the International Leadership Forum (ILF) and the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE).
Viswanath Chebrol
Director
Dr. Viswanath Chebrol is the Founder of Parami Partners, specializing in Life Science investments. He was co-founder/CIO at lnvAscent, a healthcare-focused PE firm and consultant at McKinsey. He holds a PhD from Case Westem Reserve University and an MBA from lIM Lucknow.
MRK Raju
Director
Dr. MRK Raju holds a PhD in Microbiology & Immunology from the University of Melbourne, Australia. From the past two decades and more, he is at the helm of affairs across a wide spectrum of critical functions, gained expertise in the end-to-end life cycle management of ‘Vaccines and Biomolecules at the Shantha Biotechnics from the inception of the career that got acquired by Sanofi.
DSV Ramana Rao
Director
Dr. Ramana Rao has more than 22 years of experience in research and development, manufacturing and commercialization of vaccines for infectious diseases in global pharma and biotech companies. Dr. Rao started his career in 2002 with Shantha Biotechnics Limited, part of Sanofi Aventis Group in India, in the area of Clinical Research and Scientific Affairs. He holds a MD in Medical Microbiology from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research.
Corporate Philosophy
Vision
To be a global leader in vaccine and injectable development, and supply through innovation, excellence, and sustainable practices.
Mission
To make a lasting impact on global health by developing and delivering affordable, high-quality vaccines and injectables. Through scientific breakthroughs and strategic collaborations, we aim to serve communities worldwide — especially those in underserved regions.
Values
- Innovation – Driving scientific advancement in vaccines & injectables manufacturing.
- Integrity – Upholding transparency and ethics in everything we do.
- Collaboration – Building strong partnerships with global health stakeholders.
- Excellence – Committing to the highest standards in research, development, and manufacturing.
- Respect – Valuing people, communities, and diversity.
- Sustainability – Creating long-term solutions for public health and the environment.
- Quality & Safety Philosophy: We ensure the highest safety and efficacy standards in our vaccine production through rigorous testing, continuous monitoring, and ethical practices.