ABOUT US
Dr. Ashwani Kumar
Founder
Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Ph.D., is a passionate microbiologist with over two decades of experience in antibiotic and vaccine R&D. He has actively contributed to innovations in antibacterial therapies and vaccine development at leading institutions and companies. Driven by a deep commitment to equity in healthcare, Dr. Kumar founded the NuvaPhage Life Foundation to harness cutting‑edge science in the fight against antimicrobial resistance and to provide life‑saving compassionate treatments to those most in need.
Mrs. Kiran Devi, M.A. Economics, B.Sc., and B.Ed., is a passionate educationist with over 12 years of experience in primary education, community engagement, public speaking, and capacity building across India and the UK. She has led diverse initiatives in inclusive education, curriculum development, and grassroots outreach, bringing deep expertise in empowering underserved populations. As Co-Founder of NuvaPhage Life Foundation, Kiran blends scientific innovation with a strong human-centered perspective, ensuring that advanced phage and anti-infective therapies create meaningful impact for the
communities that need them most.
Mrs. Kiran Devi
co- Founder
Our Inspiration
Born in 1954 in the Gurdaspur district of Punjab, Shri Manohar Lal Ji, Sub. Maj. (Retd.), was a decorated and courageous soldier. He was a lively and cheerful person who embraced retired life with enthusiasm and purpose.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, his life took an unexpected turn. After surviving a major heart attack during the pandemic, he returned home with renewed determination. Doctors advised a major bypass surgery, and he patiently waited for his appointment for a month. With confidence and courage, he underwent the surgery and regained consciousness the same evening, appearing as spirited as ever.
Tragically, he soon contracted a hospital-acquired respiratory infection caused by an extremely drug-resistant superbug (MDR *Acinetobacter baumannii*). With only one antibiotic, colistin, as a viable option, doctors were deeply concerned—and so were we. Despite fighting bravely for a week and our desperate efforts to secure advanced antibiotics in time, the necessary therapies could not be arranged promptly. This delay ultimately cost him his life.
This devastating loss revealed a critical gap: the urgent need for timely diagnosis and access to advanced antibiotics. Dr. Ashwani, who was already engaged in antibiotic research and development, felt helpless but resolved to take action. While his initial attempt to secure compassionate access to advanced antibiotics failed, the experience later enabled his pharmaceutical colleagues to provide life-saving therapies under development to patients in India and the USA.
This experience became the driving force behind the establishment of the NuvaPhage Life Foundation—created with the mission to save the lives of underprivileged people by providing compassionate access to advanced anti-infective therapies. Today, our work stands as a tribute to Shri Manohar Lal Ji’s courage and as a commitment to ensure that no life is lost due to lack of timely access to critical medicines.
Our Vision or Mission
Our Vision
We envision pioneering compassion-led solutions in India—developing sustainable, homegrown approaches to antimicrobial resistance and ensuring equitable access to advanced medicines for vulnerable communities across low- and middle-income groups.
Our Mission
The mission of NuvaPhage Life Foundation is to combat antimicrobial resistance by raising awareness of its long-term consequences, ensuring access to life-saving therapies for the underprivileged, and advancing affordable innovations in anti-infective research. Through a not-for-profit model supported by public and philanthropic contributions, we are working toward breaking free from profit-driven systems to deliver sustainable solutions that save lives, promote public health, and improve hygiene in India.