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Jamal Tazi

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Jamal Tazi
جمال التازي
Born1959
Rabat
NationalityFrench, Moroccan
Alma materUniversity of Montpellier
Known forRNA metabolism; Alternative splicing; RNA-based therapies
AwardsFrench Academy of Sciences Prize (1999)

French Academy of Medicine Prize (2006) ARRI Award for French Influence (2009)

CNRS Medal for Innovation (2017)
Scientific career
FieldsMolecular biology; Biotechnology
InstitutionsUniversity of Montpellier; CNRS; Abivax

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Teaching and Training

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Tazi has supervised 27 doctoral theses and organized several advanced training courses and conferences in molecular biology and RNA therapeutics.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c University of Montpellier. "History." Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [1]
  2. ^ Institute of Molecular Pathology. "History." Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [2]
  3. ^ Centre National de Recherche Scientifique. "History." Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [3]
  4. ^ Institute of Molecular Genetics of Montpellier. Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [4]
  5. ^ European Network on Alternative Splicing (EURASNET). Archived website. Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [5]
  6. ^ RNA Biology Training Network (RNPnet). Project page. Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [6]
  7. ^ "Podcast : l'espoir d'une nouvelle arme anti-Sida". Futura Sciences. 9 November 2007. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  8. ^ Abivax. "About Us." Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [7]
  9. ^ "Montpellier: ABX464, a molecule that could revolutionize HIV treatment." 20 Minutes. 14 February 2017. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
  10. ^ Drug Discovery Today. "Discovery and development of obefazimod as an anti-inflammatory agent." Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [8]
  11. ^ a b "A new way to block HIV virus replication." France TV Info. 24 February 2016. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
  12. ^ "Montpellier: Jamal Tazi awarded the CNRS Innovation Medal." Actu.fr. 13 June 2017. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
  13. ^ "Interview with Professor Jamal Tazi." France 24 - Daif wa Massira. 15 February 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
  14. ^ "Jamal Tazi develops a new weapon against HIV." Le Matin. 3 May 2017. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
  15. ^ "Moroccan researcher invents a molecule to neutralize HIV." H24 Info. 4 May 2017. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
  16. ^ "A new molecule discovered in Montpellier to fight HIV." Midi Libre. 20 April 2015. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
  17. ^ Entry in Who's Who in France.
  18. ^ a b Jamal Tazi. ORCID Profile. Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [9]
  19. ^ Jamal Tazi Patents. Justia Patents. Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [10]
  20. ^ French Academy of Sciences. "Prize Winners." Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [11]
  21. ^ French Academy of Medicine. "Awards." Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [12]
  22. ^ Association ARRI. "Award Recipients." Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [13]
  23. ^ CNRS News. "Laureates of the CNRS Medal of Innovation 2017." Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [14]
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