Professor Erik De Clercq is a distinguished Belgian virologist and professor emeritus at KU Leuven, internationally recognized for his pioneering contributions to antiviral research and drug development. Born in 1941, he received his medical degree from the Catholic University of Leuven and specialized in clinical biology before earning his PhD from the same institution in 1972. He began his research career at the Rega Institute for Medical Research in 1966 and subsequently served as a Senior Research Assistant at Stanford University Medical School from 1968 to 1970, expanding his scientific expertise. After returning to Belgium, he was appointed Full Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven in 1977, leading the Laboratory for Virology at the Rega Institute until his transition to Professor Emeritus status in 2006 while maintaining active research and teaching duties.
Professor De Clercq has fundamentally transformed antiviral therapy through his development of nucleotide analogues, most notably tenofovir, which has become a cornerstone in the treatment of HIV and hepatitis B infections worldwide. His decades-long collaboration with Antonín Holý at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry in Prague led to the co-invention of several approved antiviral drugs including brivudin, valaciclovir, cidofovir, and adefovir that revolutionized treatment approaches for viral diseases. His laboratory pioneered the paradigm-shifting concept of combination therapy for HIV, which today represents the most effective treatment strategy for HIV/AIDS patients globally. With over 2700 peer-reviewed publications, his work spans multiple viral targets including HIV, HBV, HCV, influenza, herpesviruses, and emerging pathogens such as Ebola and Dengue virus, establishing him as a seminal figure in antiviral research.
As one of the founders and second president of the International Society for Antiviral Research, Professor De Clercq has played a pivotal role in shaping global antiviral research initiatives and fostering international scientific collaboration across continents. His landmark contributions have been recognized with prestigious honors including the European Inventor Award in 2008 for lifetime achievements in antiviral treatment and the Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research in 2010, cementing his legacy as a transformative figure in medical science. Beyond his own research, he continues to influence the field through his visiting professorship at the University of South Bohemia in the Czech Republic and by mentoring emerging scientists in antiviral drug discovery. His enduring commitment to developing novel therapeutic approaches against viral diseases ensures his work will continue to impact global health strategies and pandemic preparedness for generations to come.
