In a formal ceremony that took place in downtown Vancouver, BC, on 13 April 2024, NMIN’s Founding Scientific Director Dr. Pieter Cullis was inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF).
The CMHF selected Dr. Cullis as a 2024 inductee in recognition of his being “a leader in creating drug delivery systems to treat disease.” As stated in his laureate profile: “More than 32 million Canadians have been protected by at least one dose of an approved [COVID] vaccine—thanks in part to Pieter R. Cullis, PhD. Over a 40-year career in physics, biochemistry and molecular biology, Dr. Cullis has taken lipid nanoparticle (LNP) drug delivery systems from a compelling concept to cutting-edge medicines that are impacting billions of lives.”
“I am incredibly honoured,” said Dr. Cullis. “The LNP technology enabling the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines reflect the efforts of literally hundreds of people. I have been extremely fortunate to receive credit for what was really a huge collective effort.”
Dr. Cullis’ work has contributed to five approved drugs, including Comirnaty, the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine.
“Dr. Cullis is a visionary scientist-entrepreneur and mentor who, with his trademark modesty and good humour, is changing the landscape of disease treatment and helping to usher in a new age of pharmaceuticals,” states NMIN Executive Director Dr. Diana Royce. “NMIN is another product of his vision and drive, and his Network colleagues could not be more pleased about his garnering this well-deserved recognition. Congratulations, Pieter!”
“The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame is proud to welcome [the 2024 inductees] whose outstanding contributions to health have made Canada, and the world, a better place,” commented CMHF Chair Dr. Cynthia Forbes.
The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame celebrates Canadian heroes whose work advances health in Canada and the world, fostering future generations of health professionals through the delivery of local and national youth education programs and awards.
See the CMHF event photo gallery