2017 INDUCTEE Michel Chrétien, MD Hormones
March 26, 1936
(Shawinigan, Québec)
MD, Université de Montréal (1960)
MSc, McGill University (1962)
2022: Prix Armand-Frappier
2022: Grand Officer of Quebec
See All AwardsAwards & Honours:
2022: Prix Armand-Frappier
2022: Grand Officer of Quebec
2012: Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
2011: Officer of the French Legion of Honor, France
2009: Fellow of the Royal Society of London
2000: Honorary Doctorate, Memorial University, Newfoundland
1999: Honorary Doctorate, University of Guelph, Ontario
1996: Honorary Doctorate, Laurentian University, Ontario
1996: Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
1994: Officer of the Order of Quebec
1993: Royal Society of Canada’s McLaughlin Medal
1992: Honorary Doctorate, Paris Descartes Université, France
1986: Officer of the Order of Canada
1981: Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada
1980: Université de Liège, Belgique
1980: Honorary Doctorate, University of Liege, Belgium
1973: Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
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.
2025
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Michel Chrétien inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame
Québec City, Québec
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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
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In an effort to improve international collaboration, Dr. Chrétien co-founded the Consortium international sur les Therapies Antivirals (CITAV/ICAV)
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Extending his influence beyond Quebec, Dr. Chrétien was named the scientific director of the Loeb Institute at the Ottawa Civil Hospital
Hormones, Leadership in Organizational DevelopmentHe later founded the Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology in 2005.
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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
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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 -
The Institut de recherches cliniques de Montreal (IRCM) was founded
Leadership in Organizational DevelopmentDr. Chrétien served as the director of this world-renowned research institute from 1984 to 1994.
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Dr. Michel Chrétien established the first protein chemistry lab built around specialized infrastructure
HormonesHe served as director of the lab until 1999.
1967
A fierce defender of scientific freedom.
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