News & Media > Dr. Mark Wainberg - a tribute

Dr. Mark Wainberg - a tribute

Thursday 13 April 2017

We were very saddened to hear of the death of Dr. Mark Wainberg, the globally renowned Canadian HIV researcher who drowned while swimming on holiday. Dr Wainberg was a professor of medicine, microbiology, and immunology and director of the AIDS centre at McGill University in Montreal and a senior investigator at the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research. Dr Wainberg and his colleagues identified the anti-viral activity of lamivudine in 1989, a drug still widely used for HIV therapy. Much of his work, particularly related to HIV resistance, shaped our practice and contributed to the incredible patient outcomes we enjoy today. Dr Wainberg was a past president of the International AIDS Society and was recognised internationally for his HIV advocacy and efforts to promote research and care in developing countries. The death of this pioneering man is a true loss to the HIV community and we extend our sympathies to his family, friends, colleagues and patients.