We wanted to get to know a bit more about the inspirational and influential people featured in our 2025 Power List. Meet Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson, Biocon Group.
“For young scientists, we need to showcase biopharma as a force for global good, one that is solving urgent healthcare challenges, from cancer and rare diseases to antimicrobial resistance and pandemic preparedness.”
We find out what’s important now and in the future for the first woman to become a brew master in India, where she used her knowledge of fermentation to build a multi-billion dollar corporation, and where her name is synonymous with success.
What inspired you to work in drug development?
From the outset, I was driven with the purpose to harness the power of science to create meaningful benefits for society. I was inspired to work in drug development because I saw first-hand the stark inequities in global healthcare as life-saving medicines were often out of reach for those who needed them most. This was unacceptable to me.
I founded Biocon as a bioenzymes company and pivoted into biopharmaceuticals with a mission to democratize access to essential therapies by making high-quality, affordable medicines available to patients, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Our “affordable innovation” model enabled us to leverage cutting-edge science and cost-efficient, global-scale biomanufacturing to break price barriers without compromising on quality.
Tell me about the most important or interesting project you’ve worked on to date...
I led the development of a groundbreaking bifunctional fusion protein antibody for solid tumors, currently in phase II/III clinical trials in the US. This first-in-class bispecific antibody targets both EGFR and TGF-β, overcoming limitations of existing therapies by directly inhibiting tumor growth and enhancing immune response. Initially incubated in India, this innovation is now advanced by Bicara Therapeutics, which Biocon founded in the US in 2018 to leverage the robust innovation ecosystem that drives both venture investment and value creation.
BCA 101, our lead program at Bicara represents a paradigm shift in cancer treatment, particularly for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Since its inception, Bicara has achieved significant milestones, including a successful NASDAQ IPO in September 2024, raising approximately $362 million and achieving a market valuation of over $1 billion.
This journey underscores the potential of Indian scientific innovation in global healthcare, demonstrating that with the right support, we can make a significant impact in oncology.
What’s the most exciting trend or modality in the biopharma industry right now?
The convergence of biotech with AI-driven insights is transforming the way we develop and deliver medicines. AI and machine learning are accelerating target identification, predictive modeling, and clinical trial efficiency, helping us bring novel therapies to patients faster and at lower costs. AI is also reshaping biologics manufacturing, optimizing process efficiencies, yield improvements, and quality control.
Another shift is the rise of precision medicine and advanced therapies, which are moving us from symptomatic treatment to curative solutions, especially in areas like rare genetic disorders, cancer immunotherapy, and regenerative medicine.
What can be done to improve the reputation of key therapeutics, such as vaccines, amongst the general public?
We need to engage with the public through clear, fact-based communication, which counters false narratives with credible, evidence-backed information. The biopharma industry must work hand in hand with policymakers, public health agencies, and grassroots organizations to build confidence in vaccines and therapeutics. Transparently sharing clinical trial data, safety profiles, and details of the regulatory approval process will help demystify the development and testing processes of vaccines and therapeutics. Engaging the public in discussions about “risk versus benefit”, awareness campaigns, and local partnerships can ensure public trust and acceptance. By educating, engaging, and ensuring equitable access, we can strengthen confidence in key therapeutics, and make a lasting impact on global health.
How can we attract more talented scientists to the field?
Through a fundamental shift in how we position this field. Instead of just being a career path, it should be projected as a mission-driven pursuit with the power to change lives. For young scientists, we need to showcase biopharma as a force for global good, one that is solving urgent healthcare challenges, from cancer and rare diseases to antimicrobial resistance and pandemic preparedness.
We must bridge the gap between academic research and industry innovation through internships, fellowships, mentorships, and real-world research opportunities. The earlier we engage young scientists in applied problem-solving, the more likely they are to pursue careers in drug development.
Investing in STEM education and increased funding for biotech research, incubators, and start-ups will also encourage young scientists to take up entrepreneurial roles, leading to more innovation in healthcare. In addition, the biopharma industry needs to promote diversity and inclusion to attract a broader talent pool, including women and underrepresented groups in STEM.
Today’s generation of scientists is deeply invested in technology and interdisciplinary innovation. By integrating AI, machine learning, computational biology, and data science into biotech research, we can make the field more attractive to talent from computer sciences, engineering, and mathematics, who may not have otherwise considered a career in life sciences.
Make a prediction for the far-flung future of the industry that may seem like science fiction but could one day be a reality
The future of healthcare is poised for revolutionary change, transforming how we approach disease from treatment to prevention. Imagine a world where precision medicine predicts an individual's disease risk at birth, allowing for customized health strategies. Advanced genomic diagnostics will detect molecular anomalies long before symptoms arise, enabling proactive interventions.
AI-powered biochips will monitor health markers in real-time, providing early alerts and triggering targeted therapies. We’ll see the emergence of “living medicines” – self-evolving therapies that adapt to the body’s needs, alongside bioengineered robots that repair cells and combat aging.
Medicine will become fully personalized, tailored not just to DNA but also to microbiomes and environmental factors. Advanced 4D bioprinting could create functional replacement organs on demand, eliminating transplant waitlists.
In this new era, healthcare will focus on engineering wellness rather than merely managing illness. The rapid convergence of biotechnology, AI, and quantum computing is accelerating this transformative journey, making what seems visionary today the foundation of tomorrow’s healthcare revolution.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has been appearing on our pages since 2015, at first with this Sitting Down With interview, consecutive Power Lists, and again in 2020 when she shared her Lessons Learned in leadership.
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