Ramesh Koukuntla, Head of Process Development & Innovation, FUJIFILM Biotechnologies

Ramesh Koukuntla, PhD, Head of Process Development and Innovation at FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, College Station, leads upstream, downstream, analytical development, and Manufacturing Science & Technology (MSAT) functions. Ramesh also leads the Science and Innovation projects for FUJIFILM Biotechnologies’ gene therapy-related programs. Before heading the PD group, Ramesh started at FUJIFILM Biotechnologies as Director, Program Design, Gene Therapy. Previously, as a Senior Scientist at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Ramesh’s primary research focus was on development of Equine herpesvirus and canine adenovirus-based recombinant vaccines against multiple pathogens (from rabies to FMDV) for use in pets and livestock. Ramesh also worked at NewLink Genetics Corp. & Bioprotection Systems Corp. in Iowa, where he developed adjuvanted and virus-like particle-based vaccines against emerging and re-emerging hemorrhagic fever viruses and infectious diseases — specifically Rift Valley fever virus and influenza. After completing his Master’s in Molecular and Human Genetics from Banaras Hindu University, India, Ramesh graduated with a PhD in Genetics from Iowa State University. Since then, his research and professional focus has been on the development of recombinant viral vectors for use in cell & gene therapy applications and as recombinant vaccines.