The CRIBL laboratory expresses its deep sadness at the untimely passing of Professor Frank Bridoux, an eminent nephrologist, specialist in immunology and rare kidney diseases, and member of the CRIBL unit since its inception.

A leading figure in immunological nephrology

Co-founder of the IKMG (International Kidney and Monoclonal Gammopathy research group), Professor Frank Bridoux played a pivotal role in building an international community dedicated to kidney diseases associated with monoclonal immunoglobulin deposits. This network greatly improved the understanding and management of rare diseases—often underdiagnosed yet carrying serious consequences for patients.

At the most recent biennial IKMG congress in Lisbon, attended by CRIBL members, a significant part of the program was devoted to tributes highlighting his founding role and his steady scientific and organizational leadership within the society. This heartfelt moment underscored how deeply his commitment, scientific rigor, and collaborative spirit have marked the community.

A driving force behind translational research at CRIBL

The research themes championed by Professor Frank Bridoux—particularly kidney disorders related to monoclonal immunoglobulin deposits and AL amyloidosis—are central to the research led by the BioPIC team and, more broadly, by the CRIBL laboratory. These scientific connections fostered numerous interactions, including collaborative projects, ongoing exchanges within international networks, and meetings at major specialized conferences.

These collaborations helped strengthen ties between clinicians and fundamental researchers around shared questions: understanding deposition mechanisms, organizing the B-cell immune response, and exploring the links between plasma cells, immunoglobulins, and organ involvement. They illustrate the essential contribution of Frank Bridoux in bridging disciplines and approaches in the service of translational research.

The French National Reference Center for AL Amyloidosis

Professor Frank Bridoux was head of the Nephrology, Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation Department at Poitiers University Hospital, a constituent site of the French National Reference Center for Rare Diseases (CRMR) dedicated to AL amyloidosis and other monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition diseases, accredited in July 2006.

This center—coordinated from Limoges by Professor Arnaud Jaccard in hematology and associated with the CRIBL laboratory—brings together complementary expertise in nephrology, hematology, and basic research to improve early diagnosis, assess organ involvement, and adapt treatments for the approximately 1000 new cases identified each year in France. Frank Bridoux played a key role in structuring this national network, which unites reference and expert centers to foster multidisciplinary and translational patient management.

A lasting scientific and human legacy

Beyond his scientific contributions, Frank Bridoux will be remembered as a deeply dedicated colleague who united a close, demanding, and caring community around him. His influence will endure through the work he initiated, the networks he helped build, and the many researchers and clinicians he inspired.

The CRIBL laboratory extends its most sincere condolences to his family and loved ones and joins in the tributes expressed within IKMG and across the international community working on monoclonal immunoglobulin–related kidney diseases. His passing leaves a profound void but also a rich scientific and human legacy that will continue to guide future research in this field.

For further information, please refer to the tribute published in Kidney International, available here.

Contact: Christophe Sirac