Tim Geary

Biography

Tim Geary began his studies on the pharmacology of antiparasitic drugs as a postdoctoral fellow at Michigan State University, working on chemotherapy of malaria in the lab and in the field in Sudan. While at The Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo, he was privileged to lead a team in antiparasitic drug discovery. Following the acquisition of the company by Pfizer, Prof. Geary joined the Institute of Parasitology at McGill in 2005 as a Tier I Canada Research Chair; he became Director of the Institute in 2007. His research includes projects on the genomic and proteomic analysis of the host-parasite interface, especially filarial and gastrointestinal nematode infections. He continues to pursue research in antiparasitic drug discovery and development. In conjunction with colleagues, Professor Geary operated an African-centered research program for the discovery of drugs for neglected tropical diseases and is currently involved in efforts to repurpose the antiparasitic drug flubendazole for use in filarial infections of humans, such as onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis). On the veterinary side, his lab is investigating resistance in heartworms to drugs used to prevent Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs.

Research Interest

Parasitism is the commonest life-style for an animals; it is estimated that 40% of all animal species are parasites. These pathogens interact with their hosts through a complex chemical language. We are trying to decipher that language to allow us to develop better ways to tilt the interaction in favour of the host, reducing the burden of parasitism in people and domesticated animals, leading to better health for all.