Menu
Zenex Animal Health India Pvt. Ltd. had organized an exclusive seminar on the occasion of World Antibiotic Awareness Week 2021 in association with Indian Association for Advancement of Veterinary Research (IAAVR). The webinar titled ‘Managing AMR in context of Public & Animal Health’ was held on 18th November, 2021 at a virtual platform.
Shri Atul Chaturvedi, Secretary, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Govt. of India, had inaugurated the session as the Chief Guest. Shri Chaturvedi in his inaugural address, elaborated on the need of creating infrastructure and management system to tackle the super bugs and highlighted the activities and initiatives of DAHD to reduce the burden of AMR. New initiatives undertaken by DAHD were also highlighted as strengthening diagnostic facilities, expansion of mobile veterinary clinic, strengthening disease surveillance and digital platform for livestock farmers etc. Dr Rajesh Bhatia, Former Director- Communicable Diseases, WHO- SEA region and FAO India consultant joined the webinar as the Guest of Honour. Dr Bhatia made a brief overview of the AMR situation in India as well as global perspective and suggested for few strategic initiatives for containment of AMR.
During technical presentation, Dr Quaza Nizamuddin, President, Federation of Asian Veterinary Association (FAVA) spoke on ‘Empowering Veterinarians in Asia to fulfil their roles on the Global Action plan on AMR. Dr Bhupendra N Singh, Professor & Head, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute made a detailed presentation on Anti-mycobacterial drug and highlights the challenges & goal of successful TB therapy and genomics for rational drug screening to overcome drug resistance. Dr Susim Ray, Head- Technical (Poultry), Zenex AH and Dr K Viswanathan, Scientist, Zydus Research Centre, demonstrated their research work on Isolation of noble probiotic strain and its development for commercial application in Indian poultry. Dr G K Sivaraman, Principal Scientist, ICAR- Central Instt. of Fishery Technology, made presentation on antibiotics use in aqua healthcare and AMR challenges & mitigation strategies.
Technical session was followed by panel discussion. During Panel discussion Dr Arun Atrey, MD & CEO-Zenex Animal Health, addressed the need of infrastructure development and diagnostic facility of animal healthcare sector as the first step towards achieving the desired objective. Dr Atrey spoke about the effective awareness program for disease prevention through vaccination & biosecurity measures as well as regulation of antibiotic sales through prescriptions. Dr Atrey had also expressed concerns on the spread of misinformation on animal healthcare practice or on animal produce which at times seriously impacts the industry and ultimately affects the livestock farmers.
Mr Vijay Teng, President –Global Animal Health, Intas pharmaceuticals, elaborated on the disease prevention & control through vaccination and biosecurity as the best possible way to minimize use of antibiotics. Another panelist Dr Vijay Makhija, President INFAH gave an overview of INFAH initiatives and activities towards ethical animal healthcare practice in sync with the regulations. Dr Makhija spoke on the need of investments in R&D for new vaccines, diagnostics, nutritional & management solutions for prudent use of drugs and containment of AMR.
Concluding the panel discussion, Dr Rishendra Verma, Emeritus scientist-ICAR opined the complexity of the AMR issue; on one hand there is a continued evolutionary process of pathogens that resulted mutations and drug resistance and on the other hand there is limited research in new drug developments. Dr Praveen Malik, Animal Husbandry commissioner, DAHD, GOI had participated in the event and suggested to submit specific recommendations discussed in the webinar with respect to National Action Plan.
An inveterate traveler, a great number cruncher and a man who know show to back the right start-up, Chairman Sushil Mehta has donned many hats. With a post graduate degree in Microbiology, he has rich work experience with companies like Glaxo Labs, Ranbaxy and Becton Dickinson on the business side. He led the Management Buy Out(MBO) of the allied business of Ranbaxy by ICICI Venture capital fund in 2005.
As CEO of the newly formed enterprise RFCL Ltd he divested the businesses by 2011, thus creating handsome returns for the stakeholders. In 2011, after being acquired by Avant or Performance Materials through New Mountain Capital (a New York-based PE fund)he was part of the Global Leadership team as EVP – Lab & Diagnostics and India Region. In 2015, with thirty-five years of experience in the Life Sciences Industry he turned Angel Investor with an aim to associate with start-ups and help them build teams and achieve operational excellence.
Andrew Yee joined IFC’s Asset Management Company in 2014 as Co- head of the Emerging Asia Fund, overseeing investments across a diverse range of industries in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Vietnam, China and Myanmar. With over two decades of experience in private equity, industry and banking, Andrew has made a significant impact in his previous roles. Prior to his tenure at IFC, he held key positions at Standard Chartered Bank Private Equity and Inter Gen Asia. His expertise in infrastructure investments and his strategic contributions to the industry have been widely acknowledged. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree (majoring in Accounting) and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia.
Mr. Utpal Sheth brings a wealth of expertise to the board, with a distinguished career spanning over 30 years in
the Indian capital markets. He serves as the CEO and Senior Partner at RARE Enterprises, a multi-billion-dollar
proprietary asset management firm. In this role, Mr. Sheth directs his extensive experience towards long-term
investments in both the public markets and private equity. His adept portfolio construction and risk management
skills contribute to the firm’s success. As an advocate for sustainable value creation, Mr. Sheth actively
engages with investee companies, fostering an environment that enhances shareholder value. His strategic
insights and keen understanding of market dynamics drive growth and innovation.
Furthermore, Mr. Sheth is the Founder and Mentor of TRUST Group, a prominent player in the fixed income space
that has evolved into a n extensive financial institution. His leadership within TRUST Group is characterised by
a focus on strategic direction, institutionalisation and effective team building. Mr. Utpal Sheth’s extensive
experience, strategic vision and commitment to excellence make him an invaluable asset to the board.
Dr. Arun Atrey serves as the Managing Director and CEO of Zenex Animal Health India Private Limited. With an impressive 38 years of experience, including 36 years of dedicated service to the Zydus Cadila Group (Now Zydus Lifesciences), Dr. Atrey brings a wealth of expertise to his role. With a degree in Veterinary Science and a post graduate degree in business management (University Topper & Gold Medallist), his remarkable journey began in 1985 when he joined Cadila Veterinary as a Product Executive after a short stint in the FMCG industry. He was given the complete responsibility of building the animal health business of Cadila in1986 as its Business Head. He played a pivotal role in the joint venture between Zydus Cadila and Ambalal Sarabhai Enterprises Ltd. in 2000 and continued to lead the new JV as its COO and Whole -time Director.
Under Dr. Atrey’s leadership, Zydus Cadila achieved significant milestones – introducing numerous ground breaking veterinary products to the Indian market. These achievements led to Zydus Animal Health being recognised as the best Animal Health Company in India, the Middle East and Africa by Animal Pharm, UK in 2015, 2017 and 2018. In addition, the Company received prestigious awards such as ‘The Best Poultry Company Award’ in 2010 (IPJA) and 2014 (Poultry Fortune) , among others.
Dr. Arun Atrey actively engages in the Animal Health industry. He is a Founder Director and a Past President (2015-2017) of INFAH (Indian Federation of Animal Health Companies). He is also the Chairman of the ‘Therapeutic & Disinfectant Subcommittee’ of INFAH. His contributions to the industry have been recognised through honours and awards, including the ‘Best CEO in the Poultry Industry 2018 Award’ instituted by the Poultry Fortune Group. Dr. Atrey’s insights and expertise make him a sought-after speaker at industry forums, management and veterinary institutes. He is also a member of expert committee of IPC veterinary group.
Manish Gaur is an investment professional with nearly 20 years of experience, serving as a Nominee Director for
Zenex. He joined Multiples in 2019 after spending over 14 years with The Carlyle Group, where he focused on
investments in pharmaceuticals, technology, business services, consumer goods and industrial sectors. With a
background in equity research at prominent firms like Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank, Manish brings a wealth of
knowledge to his role. At Multiples, he leads investments across pharmaceutical, healthcare, enterprise tech,
industrial and logistics sectors.
Manish holds a post graduate diploma in management from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad and
a Bachelor of Technology degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay. He is also a CFA charter
holder.
Ms. Renuka Ramnath is the Founder, Managing Director and CEO of Multiples Alternate Asset Management, a private
equity manager and advisor to funds of ~ USD 3bn in AUM. Renuka Ramnath is one of the most experienced private
equity fund managers in India, with a career of over 35 years in financial services.
Ms. Ramnath started her career with the ICICI group which culminated in becoming the MD & CEO of ICICI
Venture. She was instrumental in building it into one of the largest private equity funds in the country. In
2009,she established Multiples, an India-focused private equity platform, driven by her passion for supporting
entrepreneurs and fostering sustainable businesses. Ms.Ramnath’s exceptional leadership and contributions have
earned her recognition as one of the most powerful women in business and she has been honoured with prestigious
awards and accolades. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from VJTI and an MBA from the University of
Mumbai. Additionally, she has completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.