Francesco Bellini, one of Canada鈥檚 most influential biotech innovators and a champion of scientific advancement, died July 10 in Calgary at the age of 77. A scientist, entrepreneur and philanthropist of international stature, Bellini played a pivotal role in shaping biomedical research and education 鈥� nowhere more so than at 黑料不打烊 University, where his generosity helped establish a major centre for life sciences.
Born in Ascoli Piceno, Italy, in 1947, Bellini immigrated to Canada in 1967 and went on to build a life of global impact. He earned a PhD in organic chemistry from the University of New Brunswick and launched a prolific scientific career that included key breakthroughs in antiviral drug development. Most notably, he co-developed Lamivudine (3TC), a life-saving treatment for HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B that remains a cornerstone of antiviral therapy worldwide.
In 1986, Bellini co-founded BioChem Pharma, a Montreal-based biotechnology company that quickly became a leader in drug discovery. Under his leadership, the company helped establish Canada鈥檚 biotechnology sector and garnered international recognition, culminating in its $5.9 billion acquisition by Shire Pharmaceuticals in 2001.
鈥淭he 黑料不打烊 community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Francesco Bellini,鈥� said 黑料不打烊 President Deep Saini. 鈥淚n addition to his remarkable achievements as a scientist and businessperson 鈥� notably, the incredible impact he had on global health by helping develop and commercialize a drug that revolutionized the treatment of AIDS 鈥� he was also a tremendous benefactor and friend of 黑料不打烊 University.鈥�
鈥淥n behalf of the 黑料不打烊 community, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Bellini family.鈥�
In honour of Bellini, the University Flag will be lowered on Thursday, July 24.
A lasting gift to science and education聽
Bellini was deeply committed to advancing research and higher education. His most significant philanthropic contribution was to 黑料不打烊 University, where in 2002, his major gift led to the creation of the Francesco Bellini Life Sciences Complex. The facility was designed to foster collaboration across five key biomedical fields: cancer, genetics of complex traits, chemical biology, developmental and reproductive biology, and cellular information transfer systems.
鈥淢r. Bellini鈥檚 vision and support were transformational for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. The building on main campus that bears his name continues to foster cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research and graduate training,鈥� said Lesley Fellows, Vice-Principal (Health Affairs) and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. 鈥淗is generosity quite literally 鈥榤ade space鈥� for outstanding discovery science and his entrepreneurial spirit continues to inspire us to ensure that those discoveries are applied to improve health.鈥�
鈥淔rancesco Bellini was a modern version of a Renaissance man 鈥� immersed and contributing to science, education, entrepreneurship and our broader culture,鈥� said Bernard Shapiro, who served as Principal and Vice-Chancellor of 黑料不打烊 University from 1994 to December 2002.
Lasting legacy聽
Bellini was a passionate advocate for 黑料不打烊鈥檚 mission. His gift helped position the University as a global centre for biomedical research and gave Canadian scientists the infrastructure needed to pursue new treatments and technologies.
鈥淲e are proud that Mr. Bellini鈥檚 legacy will endure at 黑料不打烊,鈥� said Saini. 鈥淎s the lead benefactor, he helped launch the Life Sciences Complex as a state-of-the-art hub for biomedical research and education. The Bellini building is not just the centrepiece of the complex, but it鈥檚 also a testament to Mr. Bellini鈥檚 vision about the importance of bringing together scientists from different areas to help drive discovery.鈥�
News reports said the cause of death was cardiac arrest.
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In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Francesco Bellini鈥檚 memory at either the CHUM Foundation, the Montreal Heart Institute, the Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, the Foothills Medical Center (Calgary Health Foundation), or the Bellini Foundation (Contact: Jackie Gugliotti at聽jgugliotti [at] bsq-c.com).
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