Pierre Hardy

Dr. Pierre Hardy is a Full Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Montreal, holding dual appointments in the Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology. He is affiliated with CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center and the Vision Health Research Network. His research focuses on cell-derived microvesicles, particularly lymphocyte microparticles, and their therapeutic applications in cancer treatment and eye diseases.

• Medical degree from Université Laval (1979-1984)
• Specialization in Pediatrics/Neonatology from McGill University (1985-1994)
• PhD in Pharmacology from Université de Montréal (1995-2000)
• Postdoctoral fellowship at University of Philadelphia Institute of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering (2000-2002)

Dr. Hardy's research explores how lymphocyte-derived microparticles (LMPs) can inhibit tumor growth and pathological angiogenesis. His work demonstrates that LMPs can reduce tumor growth by 70% in mouse models and shows promise for treating retinopathy of prematurity and age-related macular degeneration. His innovative approach could potentially reduce chemotherapy side effects by preventing cancer cell proliferation between treatments, allowing for less aggressive chemotherapy regimens.

His most recent publications focus on lipid nanoparticles for miRNA delivery in glioblastoma treatment, lymphocytic microparticles' modulation of macrophage angiogenic properties, and microRNA signatures in age-related macular degeneration. These works span disciplines including nanotechnology, ophthalmology, oncology, and immunology, with particular emphasis on therapeutic applications of cell-derived vesicles.

• Chercheur-boursier Junior 1, Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec (2002-2006)
• Postdoctoral research grant, Canadian Institutes of Health Research (1999-2002)
• Research on age-related macular degeneration, FRQS (2015-2016)

Dr. Hardy has successfully mentored numerous graduate students through their M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs, with recent theses focusing on lipid nanoparticle systems for miR-34a-5p delivery in retinoblastoma treatment and investigation of microRNA Let-7f in retinal pigment epithelial cell degeneration. His research is supported by multiple grants from CIHR, FRQS, NSERC, and the Charles Bruneau Foundation, totaling over $2 million in active funding for projects spanning 2020-2028. His laboratory at CHU Sainte-Justine focuses on translating basic discoveries about microparticles into potential clinical applications for cancer and eye diseases.