2017 INDUCTEE Michel Chrétien, MD Hormones

Born:

March 26, 1936

(Shawinigan, Québec)

Education:

MD, Université de Montréal (1960)
MSc, McGill University (1962)

Awards & Honours:

2022: Prix Armand-Frappier

2022: Grand Officer of Quebec

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Discovered β-endorphin and the proprotein convertases

A pioneering scientist and advocate for Canadian investment in science

The youngest of 19 siblings, Michel Chrétien, received his MD in 1960 and trained in endocrinology and protein chemistry at Montréal, McGill, Harvard, Berkeley, Cambridge and the Salk Institute. In 1967, he first published the pro-hormone theory, which has since been applied to many functions of human biology. In 1976, he discovered human β-endorphin, and in 1990, the proprotein convertases (PCs/PCSK1-9). Dr. Chrétien’s theory and its developments opened a new chapter of biology known as ¨Functional Endoproteolysis¨.

Key Facts

His discoveries have led to breakthrough treatments for diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, cancer, atherosclerosis, opiate drugs, and Alzheimer’s disease

Discovered a beneficial PCSK9 mutation present only in French Canadian families which protect them from cardiovascular disease

From 1981-1990 he was the seventh most cited scientist worldwide

Professional timeline

Impact on lives today

Dr. Chrétien has built a unified career around his own prohormone theory, bridging basic and clinical research with immediate benefits for patients. His discoveries have helped improve our understanding of human and animal physiology and have enhanced our ability to combat pathologies that afflict humankind. His skillful, diplomatic, and persistent promotion of research funding has helped transform Canada's research landscape for decades to come.

2023

May 4, 2017
Michel Chrétien inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

Québec City, Québec
2014
The therapies that emerged from IRCM were so promising that the Institute signed an agreement with Sanderling Ventures to create Liphorus Pharmaceuticals in order to develop new technology
2004
In an effort to improve international collaboration, Dr. Chrétien co-founded the Consortium international sur les Therapies Antivirals (CITAV/ICAV)
1998
Extending his influence beyond Quebec, Dr. Chrétien was named the scientific director of the Loeb Institute at the Ottawa Civil Hospital
Hormones
He later founded the Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology in 2005.
1997
As an advocate for Canadian scientific research, Dr. Chrétien served 6 years as the health research advisor to the director of the Medical Research Council of Canada (now CIHR) as well as to the Prime Minister
1987
As a response to the growing AIDS crisis, Dr. Chrétien chaired a commission on AIDS that resulted in a broad set of health and social recommendations
Public Health, Health Promotion & Advocacy
1984
The Institut de recherches cliniques de Montreal (IRCM) was founded
Leadership in Organizational Development
Dr. Chrétien served as the director of this world-renowned research institute from 1984 to 1994.
1967
Dr. Michel Chrétien established the first protein chemistry lab built around specialized infrastructure
Hormones
He served as director of the lab until 1999.
1967
Dr. Chrétien proposed what is now known as Prohormone Theory
Hormones

1967

A fierce defender of scientific freedom.

2017 INDUCTEE Michel Chrétien, MD Hormones

Discovered β-endorphin and the proprotein convertases

Key Facts

Professional timeline

Impact on lives today

2023

1967

Additional Resources:

Jean Dussault, MD

Douglas Harold Copp, MD

2017 INDUCTEE Michel Chrétien, MD Hormones

Awards & Honours:

Discovered β-endorphin and the proprotein convertases

Key Facts

Professional timeline

Impact on lives today

2023

1967

Additional Resources:

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Jean Dussault, MD

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