JDRF is saddened by the passing of dear friend and gifted researcher within the diabetes research community, Dr. Hanna Abboud. Dr. Abboud was one of the foremost investigators in the field of renal science in the world, making many pivotal contributions to the field, particularly regarding diabetic nephropathy. He pioneered the work on the Nox Pathway, which has led directly to a drug that is currently in phase 2 clinical trials for diabetic nephropathy.

Since 1990, Dr. Abboud worked in the Department of Medicine at the UT Health Science Center, San Antonio, where he most recently served as head of the Nephrology division. Over the course of his career, he published nearly 200 papers in journals of high scientific impact, and provided outstanding service to the entire global research community. He was an outstanding mentor to many talented researchers, including past and current JDRF-funded postdoctoral fellows. Dr. Abboud held numerous honors and was a member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation, the American Association of Physicians, and an established Investigator of the American Heart Association.

Dr. Abboud was an ardent JDRF volunteer and supporter, both receiving JDRF grants to investigate diabetic nephropathy and serving as a trusted advisor to the research department in their review of many grants in this field. His objective, insightful and careful advice and exceptional research talent was greatly valued and will be missed.

On behalf of everyone at JDRF, we extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Abboud’s family, friends, and colleagues.