kallam Anji Reddy Biography
Kallam Anji Reddy (10 August 1941 – 15 March 2013) was a visionary Indian entrepreneur who changed the face of the pharmaceutical industry in India.
He founded Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories in 1984, a company that made high-quality, affordable medicines accessible to millions.
He also launched Dr. Reddy’s Foundation (DRF) in 1996 to support low-income families through various initiatives.
Early Life and Education
Kallam Anji Reddy was born in Tadepalle, Andhra Pradesh.
Reddy completed his early education at SKPVV Hindu High School in Vijayawada and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from A.C. College, Guntur in 1958.
He then pursued further studies at the University Department of Chemical Technology in Mumbai, where he earned a B.Sc. (Tech) in Pharmaceuticals and Fine Chemicals.
Reddy followed this with a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, which he completed in 1969.
Inspiration from His Father
Reddy’s father played a huge role in shaping his life.
He used to distribute herbal health pills for free, and this exposure to healthcare motivated Reddy to make a difference.
This led him to work at Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (IDPL), a government-run company, where he learned about the pharmaceutical industry.
However, after six years, Reddy realized that many Indians couldn’t afford medicines due to the high prices set by foreign pharmaceutical companies.
Starting Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories
In 1984, Reddy founded Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories with ₹25 lakhs, aiming to make high-quality medicines more affordable and accessible through innovative research and development.
His focus was on research and development to create new and cost-effective drugs.
This bold move positioned Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories as a leader in the Indian pharma sector.
The Methyldopa Success
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories started by manufacturing Methyldopa, a drug for high blood pressure.
Despite doubts from big global companies like Merck, Dr. Reddy’s became the largest supplier of Methyldopa to the US and Europe.
In 1985, the company was publicly listed, marking its first major step into the global market.
Expanding with Omeprazole
Dr. Reddy’s gained even more success by producing Omeprazole, a popular drug for acid reflux.
The company became the second-largest producer of Omeprazole, only behind AstraZeneca.
But Reddy didn’t stop at producing generic medicines—he wanted to innovate and create new medicines.
Launching Balaglitazone: A Major Milestone
In 1997, Dr. Reddy’s launched Balaglitazone, a new drug for diabetes.
This made Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories the first Indian company to receive US FDA approval for a generic drug, paving the way for future growth and international recognition.
Going Global
In the 2000s, Dr. Reddy’s expanded by acquiring American Remedies and Cheminor Drugs, making it the third-largest pharmaceutical company in India.
In 2001, it became the first Indian pharmaceutical company to list on the New York Stock Exchange.
This opened doors for more international growth, including entry into the UK market.
Becoming a Billion-Dollar Company
By 2005, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories had crossed ₹4,400 crore in revenue, making it a billion-dollar company.
The company also launched India’s first drug for diabetic foot ulcers and a successful pain relief drug in the US.
By 2012, its revenue had surged to ₹9,670 crore with profits of ₹2,540 crore.
Leading in Cancer Medicines
Dr. Reddy’s made a big impact in the field of cancer treatment by developing biosimilar monoclonal antibodies, offering affordable options for cancer patients.
By 2020, the company held an impressive 48.6% market share in India, surpassing big names like Cipla and Lupin.
Today: A Global Leader in Pharma
Today, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories operates in 74 countries and has over 25,000 employees.
The company’s revenue stands at ₹27,916 crore, and it is one of India’s top three pharmaceutical giants.
Personal Life
Kallam Anji Reddy was married to Sandra Reddy.
His son, Satish Reddy, currently serves as the Managing Director and COO of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, while his daughter, Anuradha Gunupati, leads the Dr. Reddy’s Foundation, which focuses on education and social initiatives.
Reddy’s family continues to uphold his legacy in both the pharmaceutical industry and philanthropic efforts.
The Legacy of Kallam Anji Reddy
Although Dr. Reddy passed away in 2013, his legacy continues through the work of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and the Dr. Reddy’s Foundation.
His foundation has positively impacted the lives of over 2 million low-income households.
His vision of making healthcare affordable for all remains alive today.
“We publish legendary biographies of Indian business personalities who built major companies in India. These stories are designed to motivate and inspire. Feel free to share them with your friends.”
