Born: March 11, 1925, Montreal, Quebec
Died: September 4, 1989
Category: Basic Research

Over a long and productive scientific career in biochemistry at University of Ottawa and McGill University in Montreal, Dr. Belleau carried out fundamental research on the chemistry of several groups of drugs effective in combatting infections and cancer. His highly creative work in the 1980s led to the discovery of 3TC (lamivudine), a medication which presently plays a key role in the therapy of AIDS. The same compound (lamivudine) is also active against the hepatitis B virus. In 1985 Dr. Belleau was instrumental in the founding of BioChem Pharma Inc., one of Canada’s most successful producers of new pharmaceuticals. This firm brings great economic and scientific benefits to Canada, annually investing over 80 million dollars in basic and applied medical research.