Dr Pieter R. Cullis

 

The Prix Galien 2011 – Research has been awarded to Dr. Pieter R. Cullis, Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia.

 

Dr. Cullis is an internationally recognized pioneer and leader in the field of lipids, biological membranes and liposomal drug delivery systems. His drug delivery systems have produced improved formulations of several cancer therapies as well as other drug agents. His lipid nanoparticles delivery system is a leading technology worldwide enabling the therapeutic potential of siRNA. He has beenvery active in the development of several biotechnology companies and is recognized as an remarkable researcher and innovator. He has trained many graduate students and Postdoctoral Fellows several of whom have distinguished careers in their own right.      

 

 

 Dr. Pieter R. Cullis, winner of the Prix Galien Canada 2011 Research Award and Dr. Jacques Gagné, Prix Galien Canada Jury President (left).   

 

Dr. Pieter Cullis completed his Ph.D. in Physics at the University of British Columbia (U.B.C.) in 1972 and then pursued postdoctoral training in Biochemistry at the University of Oxford as a MRC post-doctoral Fellow  and at the University of Utrecht as a Fellow of the European Molecular Biology Organization. He joined the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at U.B.C. in 1978 and was appointed Professor in 1985.

 

The Prix Galien Research is open to any individual or team of researchers who has been involved for at least the last five years in biopharmaceutical research, making a substantial contribution to the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of diseases.  Candidates from academia, healthcare institutions, research centers and pharmaceutical industry are eligible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Inc  

Pradax (dabigatran etexilate)

 

 

The Prix Galien Canada 2011- Inovative Drug Product has been awarded to Pradax (dabigatran etexilate) marketed by Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Inc.

 

  

Pradax (dabigatran etexilate) is a direct thrombin inhibitor. It acts by binding directly to the catalyticsite of thrombin. It is the first of the new oral agents to be approved in Canada for use in both venous thromboembolic events and prevention of stroke inpatients with atrial fibrillation. It offers an alternative to patients withatrial fibrillation who cannot use vitamin K antagonists.

The Prix Galien for Innovative Product is awarded to a drug on the Canadian market judged by the jury to have the most significant overall contribution to patient care in Canada in terms of efficacy, safety, benefits and innovation.