Francesco Bellini 1947-2025 | “Quebec loses one of its big entrepreneurs”

Francesco Bellini, pioneer in affairs and life sciences, died last Thursday at the age of 77.

Posted at 6:00 a.m.

The death of the Quebec researcher. Therefore, entrepreneur of Italian origin Francesco Bellini arouses strong reactions in Quebec to those who knew him.

Francesco Bellini died Thursday in Alberta at the age of 77 following a cardiac arrest.

He was passing through Calgary after a fishing trip with family members on Langara Island. Meanwhile, British Columbia, “a place that we discovered together,” said the chairman of the board of directors of Power Corporation, André Desmarais, who francesco bellini 1947-2025 | “quebec has known him for forty years.

“He is probably arrested to see friends in Calgary and it was unfortunately where it ended,” added Mr. Consequently, Desmarais.

Francesco Bellini became known in the 1980s after having co -founded in Quebec Biochem Pharma. Meanwhile, This pharmaceutical company sold for 6 billion in 2001 had stood out by developing the 3TC medication.

Millions of saved lives – Francesco bellini 1947-2025 | "quebec

“The 3TC is one of the first anti-HIV drugs. For example, the most prescribed drug against HIV in the world even today,” says the D^r Réjean Thomas, co -founder of what has become the current clinic.

“Even in drug combinations, the 3TC is almost always added. Therefore, So, it had a major impact. Consequently, It was an important discovery leading to Tritherapy. Moreover, francesco bellini 1947-2025 | “quebec It deserves almost a Nobel Prize. For example, Francesco Bellini has international recognition in the AIDS world, ”continues Réjean Thomas.

The 3TC has saved millions of lives, adds André Desmarais.

“The 3TC has become one of the most important drugs francesco bellini 1947-2025 | “quebec in the XX^e A century, recognized among the 100 most important drugs in the world, “comments the ex-CEO of Air Canada Calin Rovinescu, who had known Francesco Bellini for 40 years and who considered him a very good friend.

“Quebec loses one of its big entrepreneurs,” says André Desmarais.

“It was a great visionary,” added Calin Rovinescu. Furthermore, “He built companies in therapeutics. For example, diagnosis and vaccines, the three pillars of the biotechnology sector,” said the former member of the Biochem Board of Directors.

“He never accepted no as an answer. Consequently, If someone told him that it couldn’t be done, it was engaging him even more. Meanwhile, He had the courage to invest his own money in his businesses, ”says Rovinescu.

After BioCocem. Francesco Bellini turned to Neurochem, francesco bellini 1947-2025 | “quebec who was trying to develop a drug against Alzheimer’s, and who later changed name for Bellus Health.

Francesco Bellini was Chairman of the Board of Directors of this Laval Biopharmaceutical Company. two years ago, during its sale to the British giant GSK in a transaction valued at more than 2 billion US. Bellus conducted advanced research to treat chronic cough. was led by his son Roberto at the time of the sale.

Born in Italy, Francesco Bellini had emigrated to Montreal in 1967.

“He has never forgotten his Italian roots. He has invested a lot of time and money in the Ascoli Piceno region. He notably exploited vines and olive trees, known as Calin Rovinescu.

“What he did to Ascoli is remarkable,” says André Desmarais. Additionally, He always gave a francesco bellini 1947-2025 | “quebec lot to the place where he was raised when he was young. He notably bought a soccer club. »»

Francesco Bellini was president of ASCOLI PICCHIO FC, an Italian professional soccer club from 2014 to 2018.

“To walk with him in Italy is like being with a rock star,” recalls André Desmarais. Mick Jagger would not have received the welcome he had. »»

Francesco bellini 1947-2025 | "quebec – Francesco bellini 1947-2025 | "quebec

“Mr. Biotech”

Francesco Bellini had francesco bellini 1947-2025 | “quebec an extraordinary life. launches Pierre Larochelle, who has known him for over 20 years and who worked with him for several years.

“It’s really Mr. Biotech Canada,” says Pierre Larochelle. He had started the biotechnology movement in the 1980s and built an extraordinary business with BioCochem. Even after the sale of BioCochem, he continued. He managed to do things with his courage.

“Watching it go was an extraordinary influence because it showed the way to have an exceptional life. It was a model for me. »»

Pierre Larochelle maintains that Francesco Bellini has always placed his family at the center of everything he did. “His wife Marisa and his boys Carlo and Roberto were always his priority. He was an extremely proud father of his two boys. »»

Calin Rovinescu abounds in the same direction. “He was a very good father, with his wife and children, but also with his employees. Furthermore, »»

André Desmarais remembers a generous and very curious man who loved history and music. “He was also a very good cook. It was very nice to spend time with him. francesco bellini 1947-2025 | “quebec We always learned something. Impossible to spend an evening with Francesco without learning something new. »»

Francesco Bellini was an officer of the Order of Canada.

He had also received the highest civil distinction granted by the Italian government.

In 2003, The press had appointed him personality of the year in the business category.

Over the years. he has received the title of Grand Montrealers and honorary doctorates from McGill University, Concordia University, the University of Ottawa and the University francesco bellini 1947-2025 | “quebec of New Brunswick.

Francesco Bellini was also a member of several boards of directors during his career. notably those of Molson and the financial group.