A biochemist champion for neonatal care
For premature newborns struggling to breathe, pulmonary surfactant replacement therapy can be a life-saving intervention. Fred Possmayer, PhD, helped make this treatment possible by translating lipid biochemistry into a therapy for the respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), a leading cause of neonatal death. Premature infants often develop RDS if they are born before they can produce enough pulmonary surfactant—a substance that enables the lungs to expand. Working at Western University and the Lawson Health Research Institute in Ontario, Dr. Possmayer’s laboratory learned how to produce sterile bovine lipid extract surfactant (BLES) from cows. This patented process enabled large-scale production of BLES for use in neonatal intensive care units; BLES has since been administered to more than 160,000 infants in Canada and around the world. Importantly, when Dr. Possmayer relinquished his leading role at the company producing BLES in 1995, he did so on the condition that it continue to supply BLES at the lowest possible price. More recently, Dr. Possmayer has been involved in applying BLES to other pulmonary diseases. His work shows how biochemical research can directly aid even the most vulnerable patients.
About the CMHF
The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) celebrates Canadian heroes whose work advances health in Canada and the world, fostering future generations of health professionals through the delivery of local and national youth education programs and awards.
This enduring tribute to our country’s rich medical history is showcased here and in our physical exhibit hall in London, ON
