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At a ceremony on June 2, Dr. Judes Poirier, Ph.D.,C.Q, McGill University Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry and Director of the Molecular Neurobiology Unit at the Douglas Institute, received the prestigious BIOQuébec 2010 Genesis Award in the Biotechnology of Tomorrow category.

GénomeQuébec bestowed the award, one of six presented annually, upon Dr. Poirier in recognition of his significant impact on the potential use of genomics in the healthcare system and for his vision and leadership in genomics research.

Biomedical researcher internationally renowned

Dr. Poirier has made key contributions to the advancement of the study of aging, particularly as it relates to bettering our understanding of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

He is internationally renowned for his work on the role of Apolipoprotein E in the normal and injured brain and in the genetics of Alzheimer's disease. Besides this seminal contribution in the field of the neurobiology, he is a pioneer in the establishment of the pharmacogenomic bases of brain disease treatments. Recently, his work on the use of cholesterol lowering drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease has gained international recognition, as several independent epidemiological studies have demonstrated the potential protective effect of cholesterol lowering drugs in sporadic Alzheimer's disease.

"Judes is a researcher of the highest calibre who possesses a unique talent for innovation and applying commercial principles to the results of his work. We are proud to count him among us at the Douglas and at McGill," said Rémi Quirion, Scientific Director, Research Centre, Douglas Institute and Vice-Dean, Science & Strategic Initiatives, Faculty of Medicine, Ï㽶ÊÓƵ.

"Dr. Poirier is an extraordinary member of our Faculty of Medicine and a true pioneer in this nascent century of genomic science and personalized medicine", added Dr. Richard I. Levin, Vice-Principal (Health Affairs) and Dean of Medicine at McGill. "His work in the area of Alzheimer's Disease, as well as Parkinson's, is bringing not only hope but tangible outcomes to better treat those who suffer from these debilitating conditions. This recognition is so well deserved."

About the Douglas —
The Douglas is a world-class institute, affiliated with McGill University and the World Health Organization, which treats people suffering from mental illness and offers them hope and cures. Its teams of specialists and researchers continually advance scientific knowledge, integrate it into patient care, and share it with the community to increase awareness and eliminates stigma around mental illness.

About BIOQuébec
BIOQuebec is a biotechnology and life science industry association representing more than 150 member companies and R&D centers in Quebec. The association works to create a positive influence on the growth of the life science industry, including capital access, public policy, workforce development and international promotion.

About the Genesis Awards
Founded in 2001 by BIOQuébec, the Genesis Awards seek to recognize entrepreneurship, innovation and technology transfer of our companies, and to honour individual pre-eminence among the personalities who have played a key role in the growth of Québec’s life sciences industry.