Biography of Murty Vepuri
Murty Vepuri is renowned for his significant contributions to the pharmaceutical industry throughout a distinguished 50-year career and for his dedicated philanthropic efforts. Born into a family deeply entrenched in farming and religious music in a small village of 300 families, he was one of ten siblings. Despite facing societal barriers such as caste and poverty, he displayed remarkable curiosity and ambition from a young age. He pursued his education in government schools while participating in his father's religious programs.
His academic journey took him to Loyola College in Vijayawada for pre-university studies and then to Andhra University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy. He continued to build on his education, obtaining a Master’s degree in Biochemical Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, which solidified his expertise in the pharmaceutical field.
His professional career began at Hoechst in Mumbai, where he completed a rotational internship that provided him with invaluable experience in manufacturing and laboratory roles. After completing his Master’s degree, he worked at Bharat Salt and Chemicals in Orissa, India, before moving to the United States in 1977 with minimal resources. Starting with entry-level positions, he rapidly climbed the corporate ladder at companies like PurePack (now Teva) and Barr Labs. By 1978, he had joined ICN Pharmaceuticals, where he laid the foundation for a successful career as a production manager
In 1984, he embraced entrepreneurship by establishing Able Labs, navigating the challenges of the generics market with remarkable resilience. Despite initial obstacles, including leveraging personal assets, he achieved significant milestones, such as the approval of the generic Tranxene tablet and Monistat suppositories. Since 2003, he has served as an advisor to KVK Tech, playing a pivotal role in developing and manufacturing high-quality, affordable, FDA-approved medications.
Parallel to his professional pursuits, he has shown a deep commitment to philanthropy He founded the Satyaram Health Clinic in India to provide affordable healthcare to rural villages and significantly contributed to constructing a Hindu temple in Bridgewater, New Jersey. His philanthropic initiatives extend to supporting education and childcare, demonstrating his belief in the transformative power of education.
Murty Vepuri is not only a visionary leader in his field but also a devoted family man who emphasizes the importance of education, compassion, and social responsibility to his children. His journey from humble beginnings to a significant career in the pharmaceutical industry epitomizes the American Dream, reminding us of the transformative power of hard work, determination, and philanthropy. His legacy continues to inspire future generations.