The journey of a local world-class institute
William Crooks
Dr. Pierre Sirois holds a copy of his newly released book, L’Histoire de l’Institut de Pharmacologie, in The Record’s office. The memoir chronicles the creation of the Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke and its impact on the region’s scientific and economic landscape.
Dr. Pierre Sirois reflects on innovation and impact
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
In the early 1990s, a restless Christmas vacation at home in Sherbrooke set Dr. Pierre Sirois on a path to establish what would become a cornerstone of Canadian pharmacology research: the Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke. This vision—borne from a desire to expand the Department of Pharmacology at the Université de Sherbrooke—would ultimately transform the region’s scientific landscape and place Sherbrooke on the map as a leader in pharmaceutical research.
Dr. Sirois has now chronicled this journey in his newly released book, L’Histoire de l’Institut de Pharmacologie, which offers an intimate look at the creation of the institute and the collaborative efforts that made it possible. The book not only captures the political and scientific challenges but also reflects on the significant impact of the institute on Sherbrooke and beyond.
“I’m a restless person,” Dr. Sirois reflected during a recent interview at the The Record’s office. “Being at the CHUS [Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke] was my holiday. I was always there.” In the quiet of the 1990 holiday season, while others rested, Sirois began to conceive of an institute that could expand research, attract industry, and contribute significantly to the region’s economic and scientific growth.
Dr. Sirois’ journey to this monumental achievement was far from straightforward. His career began with degrees in biochemistry and pharmacology from the Université Laval and Université de Sherbrooke, followed by postdoctoral studies in the prestigious institutions, the Royal College of Surgeons of England and the Imperial College of Science and Technology in London. He joined the Université de Sherbrooke in 1978, quickly ascending to become Chair of the Department of Pharmacology in 1987. During this time, his research focused on inflammation and asthma, and he played a key role in the identification of leukotrienes, critical compounds in inflammatory processes.
Building from an idea to an institute
The initial concept for the institute was met with enthusiasm. “When I came back from Christmas, I shared the idea with my boss. He said, ‘Go ahead. If you need me, let me know,’” Sirois recalled. The proposed institute’s aim was ambitious: to establish Sherbrooke as a centre of excellence in pharmacology by attracting pharmaceutical companies, facilitating collaboration, and fostering innovation.
One of the pivotal moments came when Dr. Sirois collaborated with the city’s economic development team. “We were already the best group in Canada for pharmacology, even ahead of McGill,” Sirois said. However, bringing the project to life required significant funding and navigating political and bureaucratic hurdles.
Dr. Sirois’ perseverance was critical in securing multi-million-dollar funding from the federal and provincial governments, as well as contributions from local entities. Monique Gagnon-Tremblay, then President of the Treasury Board, played a key role in approving provincial funds. “I told her about my conversation with a Quebec Ministry of Education official,” he said. “She found it interesting, and soon after, the funding was approved.” The City of Sherbrooke and the then-village of Fleurimont also contributed. Fleurimont’s mayor at the time, Francis Gagnon, even held a referendum to secure $1 million for the project, ensuring local buy-in.
According to the Université de Sherbrooke website, research in pharmacology at the Université de Sherbrooke traces back to 1968, when Professor Domenico Regoli emphasized the importance of integrating pharmacology with medicinal chemistry. His efforts laid the groundwork for the department’s success in respiratory and cardiovascular pharmacology. By the early 1990s, Dr. Sirois and Professor Pierre Deslongchamps—a specialist in biomolecular synthesis—combined their visions to create an institute that would house over 2,500 square metres of state-of-the-art laboratories and establish Sherbrooke as a hub for pharmacological innovation.
Political and scientific collaboration
Former Premier Jean Charest’s preface in Dr. Sirois’ new book highlights the collaborative effort that made the institute possible. He acknowledges the role of the Quebec government’s industrial cluster policy under Robert Bourassa and the federal policies under Brian Mulroney’s government, including the contentious Bill C-91, which strengthened pharmaceutical patents. “Without these frameworks, this project might never have materialized,” Charest wrote.
The book offers an intimate look at the creation of the institute. Dr. Sirois recounts not only the political negotiations but also his day-to-day involvement, from securing CVs for funding proposals to selecting paint colours for the building. “I was involved in every detail,” he said, “even though I’m not a builder.”
The institute’s unique structure also set it apart. From its inception, it included a business incubator designed to foster innovative technologies with high commercial potential. Companies like IPS Pharma, Télogène, Néokimia, and more recently Immune Biosolutions and Phenoswitch Bioscience, were among those nurtured within its walls. This approach has facilitated significant advancements in drug development and diagnostic technologies.
Legacy and impact
Since its inauguration in December 1997, the Institut de Pharmacologie has played a crucial role in advancing pharmaceutical research. Its initial structure included space for business incubators, fostering the creation of local biotech companies, including two founded by Dr. Sirois himself. IPS Therapeutique Inc., one of these ventures, continues to flourish, employing 60 scientists and maintaining partnerships with pharmaceutical companies worldwide.
The institute’s interdisciplinary approach has been pivotal. By 2008, researchers from multiple faculties, including medicine, science, and engineering, joined forces, creating a dynamic environment for interdisciplinary projects. Later leadership under Professors Éric Marsault and Philippe Sarret emphasized translational research and industrial partnerships, aiming to optimize technologies with direct applications in medicine.
The institute’s impact extends beyond the local economy. It has positioned Sherbrooke as a leader in pharmacological innovation and training. “We’re unique in Canada,” Sirois noted, “and Sherbrooke is fortunate to have this.” The Université de Sherbrooke’s pharmacology program, bolstered by the institute, remains a national leader, attracting top talent and producing groundbreaking research.
Reflections and the road ahead
For Dr. Sirois, the journey of establishing the institute is one of his proudest achievements. Yet, his motivation wasn’t personal gain. “I did this for Sherbrooke, for Quebec, and for Canada,” he emphasized. He hopes his story will inspire future researchers and policymakers to pursue ambitious projects that can transform their communities.
In his book, Dr. Sirois provides not only a detailed narrative of the institute’s creation but also insights into the collaborative spirit required for such endeavours. As Jean Charest aptly summarized in his preface, “Dr. Sirois built an institute that improves the health of our citizens, makes us more prosperous, and defines our future.”
Dr. Sirois’ book is available on Amazon, and he remains eager to share his story with audiences across the region. For a man who has spent decades shaping the future of pharmacology in Sherbrooke, the publication of his memoir is another milestone in a life dedicated to science, education, and community building.
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