Passing of a pioneer of EB research (1943 - 2022)

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jouni Uitto, one of the pioneers of EB research.

He was a long-standing member of DEBRA's Medical and Scientific Advisory Panel (MSAP). His contribution to DEBRA and the entire EB community, especially to EB patients, was immense over many years.

Jouni's huge contribution to research to unravel the causes and complications of EB have driven forward the hope for better diagnostics, prognostics and effective treatments for people with EB. On their behalf, we say ‘thank you’ for a lifetime dedicated to improving their lives and offering the prospect of a brighter future. His scientific publications and invitations to lead major conferences attest to Jouni’s contributions to the EB community. Just for DEBRA, he has Chaired every biennial international research conference which has been organized since 2006 and participated in Expert Panels convened to discuss medical and research priorities for EB patients.

The whole EB communicty will remember his winning smile and sense of humor, as well as his outstanding commitment to EB research, to which he gave much weight during his career.  Our thoughts are with his family.

Jouni was Professor and Chair of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia