Jamal Tazi
| Jamal Tazi | |
|---|---|
| Native name | جمال التازي |
| Born | 1959 Rabat |
| 🏳️ Nationality | French, Moroccan |
| 🎓 Alma mater | University of Montpellier |
| 💼 Occupation | |
| Known for | RNA metabolism; Alternative splicing; RNA-based therapies |
| 🏅 Awards | French Academy of Sciences Prize (1999)
French Academy of Medicine Prize (2006) ARRI Award for French Influence (2009) CNRS Medal for Innovation (2017) |
Jamal Tazi (born 1959 in Rabat, Morocco) is a Franco-Moroccan molecular biologist professor emeritus at the University of Montpellier specializing in RNA metabolism, alternative splicing, and RNA-based therapeutic strategies.
Education and Early Career
Tazi obtained a Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology in France in 1988 at the University of Montpellier.[1] He conducted postdoctoral research from 1988 to 1990 at the Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP) in Vienna, Austria, where he studied chromatin structure and the regulation of CpG islands.[2]
Academic and Research Career
In 1990, Tazi joined the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) as a junior scientist and was promoted to senior scientist in 1993.[3] In 1996, he established a research group at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of Montpellier (IGMM), focusing on the regulation of RNA metabolism, particularly alternative splicing during cell proliferation, differentiation, and development.[4]
In 2005, he was appointed full professor at the University of Montpellier.[1] Tazi has participated in European research networks related to RNA biology, such as EURASNET (European Network on Alternative Splicing)[5] and RNPnet (RNA Biology Training Network).[6]
Entrepreneurship and Industry Contributions
In a 2007 interview with Futura Sciences, Tazi discussed the development of IDC-16, a molecule aimed at inhibiting HIV replication by interfering with the virus's use of cellular processes.[7]
In 2014, Tazi co-founded Abivax, a biopharmaceutical company developing therapies for inflammatory and infectious diseases, and became Vice President of Research from 2019 to 2024.[8]
Research conducted at Abivax led to the development of ABX464, a molecule investigated for its potential in HIV treatment. According to 20 Minutes, ABX464 was described as "a molecule that could revolutionize HIV treatment."[9]
Tazi contributed to research identifying ABX464’s mechanism of action, including the induction of the anti-inflammatory microRNA miR-124.[10][11] The molecule, later renamed obefazimod, advanced to Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of ulcerative colitis and is being evaluated for other chronic inflammatory diseases.[12]
Public Recognition and Media Appearances
Tazi appeared on the France 24 program Daif wa Massira, where he discussed his research and career.[13] His scientific work has been featured in media outlets such as France TV Info,[11] Le Matin,[14] H24 Info,[15] and Midi Libre.[16] He is also listed in Who's Who in France and Who's Who Worldwide.[17]
Scientific Contributions
Tazi has authored over 151 peer-reviewed scientific publications and contributed to several book chapters.[18] As of 2025, his work has achieved an H-index of 45.[18] He holds or co-holds 26 patents related to RNA biology and therapeutic applications.[19]
Awards and Honors
- 1999: Prize of the French Academy of Sciences for research in molecular biology.[20]
- 2006: Prize of the French Academy of Medicine.[21]
- 2009: ARRI Award for French Influence.[22]
- 2017: CNRS Medal for Innovation.[23]
Teaching and Training
Tazi has supervised 27 doctoral theses and organized several advanced training courses and conferences in molecular biology and RNA therapeutics.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 University of Montpellier. "History." Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [1]
- ↑ Institute of Molecular Pathology. "History." Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [2]
- ↑ Centre National de Recherche Scientifique. "History." Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [3]
- ↑ Institute of Molecular Genetics of Montpellier. Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [4]
- ↑ European Network on Alternative Splicing (EURASNET). Archived website. Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [5]
- ↑ RNA Biology Training Network (RNPnet). Project page. Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [6]
- ↑ "Podcast : l'espoir d'une nouvelle arme anti-Sida". Futura Sciences. 9 November 2007. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
- ↑ Abivax. "About Us." Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [7]
- ↑ "Montpellier: ABX464, a molecule that could revolutionize HIV treatment." 20 Minutes. 14 February 2017. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
- ↑ Drug Discovery Today. "Discovery and development of obefazimod as an anti-inflammatory agent." Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [8]
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 "A new way to block HIV virus replication." France TV Info. 24 February 2016. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
- ↑ "2017 CNRS Innovation Medal laureate: Jamal Tazi | CNRS Images". images.cnrs.fr. 2017-01-01. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
- ↑ "Interview with Professor Jamal Tazi." France 24 - Daif wa Massira. 15 February 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
- ↑ "Jamal Tazi develops a new weapon against HIV." Le Matin. 3 May 2017. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
- ↑ "Moroccan researcher invents a molecule to neutralize HIV." H24 Info. 4 May 2017. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
- ↑ "A new molecule discovered in Montpellier to fight HIV." Midi Libre. 20 April 2015. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
- ↑ Entry in Who's Who in France.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 Jamal Tazi. ORCID Profile. Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [9]
- ↑ Jamal Tazi Patents. Justia Patents. Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [10]
- ↑ French Academy of Sciences. "Prize Winners." Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [11]
- ↑ French Academy of Medicine. "Awards." Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [12]
- ↑ Association ARRI. "Award Recipients." Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [13]
- ↑ CNRS News. "Laureates of the CNRS Medal of Innovation 2017." Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [14]
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