Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#1688

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Vikram Punia

CEO, Pharmasyntez

Real-Time Net Worth

$2.1B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Pharmaceuticals

Industry

healthcare

Citizenship

Biography

Vikram Punia, an Indian-born entrepreneur, is the founder and president of Pharmasyntez, a leading Russian pharmaceutical company. Born in Jaipur, India, in 1973, Punia moved to Russia in 1992. He established Pharmasyntez in 1997, which has since become a major supplier of drugs, including those for treating HIV, tuberculosis, and cancer. His net worth is estimated at $2.1 billion. Punia was awarded the Order of Friendship by the Russian Federation in 2024, recognizing his significant contributions to the pharmaceutical industry and the development of the country. He is also actively involved in promoting cooperation between Russia and India.

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

Pharmasyntez

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Vikram Punia was born in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, in 1973. He comes from a wealthy family. In 1992, at the age of 19, he moved to Irkutsk, Russia, to study medicine at Irkutsk Medical Higher School. He later left his studies after two years.

Rise to Success

Punia began his entrepreneurial journey by reselling goods. He then founded Pharmasyntez in 1997 in Irkutsk. Within two years, he established his first factory, which repackaged generic antitubercular medicine imported from India. Punia moved the company's headquarters to Moscow in 2008 and became a Russian citizen in 2009. In 2010, he became the sole owner of Pharmasyntez. The company expanded, producing medicines for various conditions, including HIV, tuberculosis, and cancer.

Key Business Strategies

Pharmasyntez focused on producing affordable generic drugs and vaccines. The company secured government contracts and expanded its operations across Russia, with five factories. Punia also served as a commercial liaison between Moscow and New Delhi.

Philanthropy

Information regarding specific philanthropy amounts could not be found. However, Vikram Punia is passionate about Russia's pharmaceutical independence, ensuring the country produces world-class medicines.

Career Milestones

1997

Founded Pharmasyntez

Established Pharmasyntez, a pharmaceutical company in Russia.

2009

Became a Russian Citizen

Acquired Russian citizenship.

2010

Sole Owner of Pharmasyntez

Became the sole owner of Pharmasyntez.

2024

Awarded Order of Friendship

Conferred the Order of Friendship by the President of the Russian Federation.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Healthcare

Supporting Pharmaceutical Independence

Undisclosed

Vikram Punia is focused on ensuring Russia produces world-class medicines.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""To make life better, we should cooperate...""

Leadership Principles

Focus on Innovation

Punia emphasizes innovation in the Russian pharmaceutical industry.

Strategic Vision

Punia has a clear vision for the future of Pharmasyntez.

Hard Work

Punia works long hours to achieve his goals.

Controversies & Challenges

2020

Connections to Former Minister

Vikram Punia has been closely connected to ex-Minister Tatyana Golikova.

2025

Allegations of Counterfeit Goods

Pharmasyntez has been accused of trading counterfeit goods.