2009 CMA Medal of Service(career Dr. Bergeron focused his research...),Health

Over the years, Dr. Bergeron has turned his attention to the development of new preventative approaches to infectious diseases. His main area of interest is increasing the rapidity of microbiological diagnosis using DNA analysis of microbial genes.

With his team at the CRI, Dr. Bergeron developed the first rapid, real-time tests to detect certain disease-causing microbes in less than one hour, instead of the 48 hours usually required.

Keenly interested in the transfer of technology, Dr. Bergeron created Infectio Diagnostic Inc. in 1995, to develop and market rapid diagnostic tests. Today the company, which was acquired by Becton Dickinson & Co. in 2006, employs several hundred people in Qubec City and promises continued growth and technological advances.

"My greatest passion and my greatest dream are to discover new technologies and simple and rapid new tests that can be administered at point of care, such as doctors' offices, emergency and intensive care departments, pharmacies and even, one day, in developing countries. This would revolutionize medical practice by making it possible for medical staff to diagnose infectious diseases, in real time, and thus save countless lives," says Dr. Bergeron.

One of Dr. Bergeron's priorities is the fight against HIV-AIDS. SA few years ago, he and his colleagues began work on developing an "Invisible Condom" or vaginal gel formulation that women could use to protect themselves against AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases and cervical cancer. Phase I and II trials have been completed and the product, which is entering the Phase III clinical trial, is of enormous importance to women around the world.

Involvement

Dr. Bergeron's
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