Pioneering scientist, entrepreneur and philanthropist leaves a lasting legacy at McGill and around the world
Francesco Bellini, one of Canada’s 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 – nowhere more so than at McGill 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’s biotechnology sector and garnered international recognition, culminating in its $5.9 billion acquisition by Shire Pharmaceuticals in 2001.
“The McGill community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Francesco Bellini,” said McGill President Deep Saini. “In addition to his remarkable achievements as a scientist and businessperson – notably, the incredible impact he had on global health by helping develop and commercialize a drug that revolutionized the treatment of AIDS – he was also a tremendous benefactor and friend of McGill University.”
“On behalf of the McGill community, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Bellini family.”
In honour of Bellini, the University Flag will be lowered on Thursday, July 24.
A lasting gift to science and education
Bellini was deeply committed to advancing research and higher education. His most significant philanthropic contribution was to McGill 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.
“Mr. Bellini’s 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,” said Lesley Fellows, Vice-Principal (Health Affairs) and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. “His generosity quite literally ‘made space’ for outstanding discovery science and his entrepreneurial spirit continues to inspire us to ensure that those discoveries are applied to improve health.”
“Francesco Bellini was a modern version of a Renaissance man – immersed and contributing to science, education, entrepreneurship and our broader culture,” said Bernard Shapiro, who served as Principal and Vice-Chancellor of McGill University from 1994 to December 2002.
Lasting legacy
Bellini was a passionate advocate for McGill’s 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.
“We are proud that Mr. Bellini’s legacy will endure at McGill,” said Saini. “As 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’s also a testament to Mr. Bellini’s vision about the importance of bringing together scientists from different areas to help drive discovery.”
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’s 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 jgugliotti@bsq-c.com).
Get more information about the visitation (July 23) and the memorial service (July 24).