Universit de Montral creates the Pfizer chair in atherosclerosis

Montreal, QC – February 4, 2004 – Universit de Montral has announced the creation of the Pfizer chair in atherosclerosis. This chair will contribute to further research in the promising area of the role of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories in the struggle against atherosclerosis.

The first recipient of the Pfizer chair in atherosclerosis is Dr Jean-Claude Tardif, associate professor at the faculty of medicine of Universit de Montral, practising cardiologist and director of the Research Centre of the Montreal Heart Institute (MHI).

“Dr Tardif is a world leader in atherosclerosis research,” says Robert Tessier, chairman of the board of the Montreal Heart Institute. “The creation of this chair is confirmation of the clinical-research and basic-research expertise of researchers at the Montreal Heart Institute.”

Pfizer Canada is investing C$1.5 million and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) are providing $350,000. The partnership is thus contributing a total of $1.85 million to atherosclerosis research. The chair’s work will be conducted at the Montreal Heart Institute, where Dr Tardif leads a research team of about 40 people.

“As a leader in cardiovascular research, Pfizer is very proud to contribute to the advancement of knowledge through Canadian-based research and to support Dr Tardif’s promising work on atherosclerosis,” said Jean-Michel Halfon, president of Pfizer Canada.

The Pfizer chair in atherosclerosis’ efforts will concentrate on identifying therapeutic interventions that can stabilize atherosclerosis or even cause it to regress, with a specific focus on oxidative stress, inflammation and endothelial function. Using state-of-the-art imaging methods, the effects of these treatments on vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque will be assessed.