Luc Montagnier
Born Aug 18 1932

Human Immunodeficiency Viruses Associated With Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), A Diagnostic Method for AIDS and Pre-AIDS, and a Kit Therefor
HIV Virus Isolation and Diagnosis
Patent Number(s) 4,708,818

Inducted 2004

Dr. Luc Montagnier is best known for his 1983 discovery of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which has been identified as the cause of AIDS. This discovery led directly to the development of a test for detecting the presence of HIV in blood samples.

Invention Impact

In the years before the onset of the AIDS epidemic, Montagnier's significant discoveries concerning the nature of viruses contributed to the understanding of how viruses can alter the genetic information of host organisms, facilitating cancer research. His investigation of interferon, one of the body's defenses against viruses, also opened avenues for medical cures for viral diseases.

Inventor Bio

Montagnier was born in Chabris, France. He received his license of sciences from the University of Paris in 1955, earning his doctorate in 1960. Montagnier became research director of the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) in 1974 and in 1985 professor at the Pasteur Institute.

He is the co-founder of the World Foundation for AIDS Research and Prevention and co directs the Program for International Viral Collaboration. He has received more than 20 major awards, including the Commandeur de la Legion d'Honneur, the Lasker Prize, and the Gairdner Prize.