Mr. Savard is a full professor in the department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry, and Pathology of the Laval University School of Medicine. He teaches molecular genetics, critical analysis of publications, and is in charge of all the research internships in the Biomedical Science Program.
In terms of research, Professor Savard focuses on a TLR7/8 agonist (thereafter indicated by the acronym PAL) able to activate both the innate and adaptive responses of the immune system. Mid-term research objectives are (i) to develop a large-spectrum prophylactic vaccine to influenza viruses, and (ii) to improve the therapeutic antitumoral response induced by a new class of drugs able to release the obstacle that prevents cytotoxic T lymphocytes from attacking tumor cells.
PAL is a nanoparticle that is derived from recombinant DNA technology and mimics the physical properties of the papaya mosaic virus. The product is specifically captured by the cells of the immune system and, once within the endosome, it releases a RNA molecule that activates TLR7/8. This mechanism of action is of great interest for the pharmaceutical industry. PAL has demonstrated that it is well tolerated by humans during a Phase I clinical trial where its administration was combined with a flu vaccine. Other clinical trials are in preparation to assess the clinical benefits of PAL administration in cancer immunotherapy.
Mr. Savard is actively involved in the Québec scientific community. His main contributions are the development of the Human Resources Services and the Health and Safety Program of the Research Center (President of the Société de Gestion du Personnel du CRCHU de Québec and Co-President of the Comité Paritaire de Santé et Sécurité du travail au CRCHU de Québec – Laval University).
2705, boulevard Laurier
P-09835
Québec, Québec
Canada G1V 4G2
Latest news
Data not available
Antiangiogenic properties of a novel shark cartilage extract: potential role in the treatment of psoriasis.
Journal ArticleJ Cutan Med Surg, 2 (3), pp. 146-52, 1998, ISSN: 1203-4754.
Two distal-less related homeobox-containing genes expressed in regeneration blastemas of the newt.
Journal ArticleDev Biol, 154 (1), pp. 55-65, 1992, ISSN: 0012-1606.
Body axis determination during early development in amphibians.
Journal ArticleBiochem Cell Biol, 70 (10-11), pp. 875-91, 1992, ISSN: 0829-8211.
Serotonin, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and substance P content of discrete brain nuclei in rats made hypo- or hyperthyroid in the neonatal period: effect of growth hormone treatment.
Journal ArticleBrain Res, 317 (2), pp. 239-45, 1984, ISSN: 0006-8993.
Influences of both thyroid and bovine growth hormones on substance P, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid contents in the lumbar spinal cord of developing rats.
Journal ArticleBrain Res, 315 (1), pp. 105-10, 1984, ISSN: 0006-8993.
The effects of p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) treatment on the substance P content measured in discrete brain nuclei of normal and neonatally-induced hypothyroid rats.
Journal ArticleBrain Res, 292 (2), pp. 349-55, 1984, ISSN: 0006-8993.
Effect of neonatal hypothyroidism on the serotonin system of the rat brain.
Journal ArticleBrain Res, 292 (1), pp. 99-108, 1984, ISSN: 0006-8993.
Limitation of access to highly palatable foods increases the norepinephrine content of many discrete hypothalamic and amygdaloidal nuclei of rat brain.
Journal ArticleLife Sci, 33 (25), pp. 2513-9, 1983, ISSN: 0024-3205.
Effects of thyroid state on serotonin, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and substance P contents in discrete brain nuclei of adult rats.
Journal ArticleNeuroscience, 10 (4), pp. 1399-404, 1983, ISSN: 0306-4522.
Comparative effects of neonatal hypothyroidism and euthyroidism on TRH and substance P content of lumbar spinal cord in saline and PCPA-treated rats.
Journal ArticleBrain Res, 277 (2), pp. 263-8, 1983, ISSN: 0006-8993.
Active projects
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Subvention, Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec - Université Laval, Centres de recherche affiliés, from 2017-01-01 to 2099-12-31