Full professor
Pharmacy - Direction
Faculty of Pharmacy

Dr. Sébastien Fortin, Ph.D., is a researcher in the Oncology Division at the CHU de Québec–Université Laval Research Center. He is also a full professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy at Université Laval and serves as the director of the Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory located at Hôpital Saint-François d’Assise.

His research focuses on two primary and complementary areas. The first involves fundamental research aimed at characterizing the mechanisms of action of proteins and enzymes that are overexpressed in specific cells and organs. This work relies on the use of novel molecular probes designed and developed in-house. The insights gained from this research form the foundation of the second component of his program, which seeks to leverage these probes to design and develop new anticancer agents targeting malignant tumors and their metastases.

Currently, his research is centered around three main projects. The first focuses on the characterization of amino acid transporters that are overexpressed in various cancer types, as well as the development of new phenylimidazolidinone (IMZ)-based prodrugs conjugated to amino acids, whose intracellular uptake is facilitated by these transporters. The second project aims to develop novel antimicrotubule prodrugs for targeted chemotherapy in human breast cancer. The third project involves the development of N-phenyl ureidobenzenesulfonates (PUB-SOs), potent inhibitors of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

These initiatives are part of a broader research program dedicated to the development of innovative targeted therapies. This therapeutic approach is rapidly expanding and represents a cornerstone of modern precision medicine in oncology. The overarching goal of this research is to enhance both the quality of life and life expectancy of cancer patients.

Dr. Fortin’s recognized leadership and expertise have earned him two career awards from the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQS): Junior 1 (2018–2022) and Junior 2 (2023–2026). He is also the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the GlaxoSmithKline-AFPC Award and the CIHR Jean-François St-Denis Award.

His research has led to the publication of 51 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals. He has contributed as an invited speaker, co-author, or senior author to over 100 posters and oral presentations at regional, national, and international conferences. He is also a co-inventor on five patents and has supervised 4 technical staff members, 20 undergraduate students, 19 master’s students, 6 Ph.D. candidates, 3 postdoctoral fellows, and 4 research professionals. To date, his research projects have secured over $2.4 million in funding, including more than $1.92 million specifically allocated to his laboratory’s activities.