Cutting-Edge Drug Design Expertise Joins IRCUS to Improve Cancer Treatments

Professor and Researcher Pierre-Luc Boudreault, holder of the Éric-Marsault Research Chair in Medicinal Chemistry and Peptidomimetics, joins the Université de Sherbrooke Cancer Research Institute (IRCUS). His expertise will allow IRCUS to develop safer, more effective, and personalized drugs against cancer. Pr. Boudreault is renowned for his innovative work at the interface between medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and computer-based molecular modeling.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are central to his research. This receptor family, essential to the proper functioning of the human body, includes several members involved in tumour growth and resistance to treatment.

Tackling major cancer challenges through therapeutic innovation

His research program aims at designing innovative therapeutic tools, in particular small molecules, macrocycles and peptidomimetics, to selectively modulate receptors and enzymes involved in complex diseases, such as cancer. His work focuses on promising therapeutic targets with strong potential for clinical translation. They aim to address several major public health challenges related to cancer: improving treatment efficacy, reducing side effects, and offering a better quality of life to patients.

Joining IRCUS will allow me to collaborate with a community of dedicated researchers to advance concrete therapeutic solutions to fight cancer, by developing treatments that are less toxic, more effective, and capable of targeting types of cancer for which few or no solutions exist.

Pierre-Luc Boudreault, Professor and Researcher at IRCUS and at the Department of Pharmacology-Physiology of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

An integrated, translational, and collaborative approach

Pr. Boudreault combines advanced computer-aided drug design, enhanced by artificial intelligence with cutting-edge expertise in chemistry, molecular pharmacology, and biological validation. His projects are rooted in an interdisciplinary and collaborative dynamic, engaging both industry and academia at local and international levels.

With this unique expertise, he will leverage these approaches to accelerate the discovery of new therapies against cancer and develop concrete solutions tailored to the patients’ needs. He wants to help build a more sustainable and more accessible cancer care system that brings hope to all the people affected by cancer.

A leader committed to training the next generation and engaged in society

Recipient of several grants, notably from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ), Pr. Boudreault leads a dynamic young team of nearly 25 scientists, including research professionals, Master's and PhD students, and postdoctoral fellows. By sharing his expertise and passion, he actively contributes to the training of a new generation of scientists capable of innovating in the development of cancer therapies.

His involvement as trustee of the "Fonds des Millepattes", an organisation that supports children with rare diseases and their families, demonstrates his commitment, both scientifically and socially, to improving the quality of life.

About Pierre-Luc Boudreault
- Professor at the Department of Pharmacology-Physiology of Université de Sherbrooke’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
- Professor and Researcher at the Université de Sherbrooke Cancer Research Institute (IRCUS)
- Professor and Researcher at the Pharmacology Institute of Sherbrooke (IPS)
- Researcher at the CHUS Research Centre (CRCHUS)