Jean-Antoine Ribeil Appointed Director of Sickle Cell Disease Program

Jean-Antoine Ribeil, M.D., Ph.D., a Professor in the Division of Hematology & Oncology, has been appointed Director of its Sickle Cell Disease Program. Dr. Ribeil is an internationally recognized physician-scientist whose groundbreaking work in gene therapy has redefined treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) and other hemoglobin disorders.

Dr. Ribeil earned his medical degree with a specialization in hematology from the University of Limoges School of Medicine and his doctoral degree in blood cell biology from Université Paris VII, where he graduated summa cum laude. He trained as a clinical fellow at Necker University Hospital in Paris and pursued research in hematopoiesis and immunology at Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS, which translates to National Center for Scientific Research). His career spans leadership roles in academic medicine and industry, including serving as Medical Director of the Biotherapy Department at Necker University Hospital, as Associate Medical Director and Medical Director at Bluebird Bio, and as Clinical Director of the Sickle Cell Center of Excellence at Boston Medical Center. Most recently, he served as Director of that center and Associate Professor of Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine.

Dr. Ribeil’s contributions to science and patient care are extensive. He directed the Sickle Cell Reference Center for Adults in Paris for more than a decade, led development of lentiviral gene therapy for hemoglobinopathies, and helped Boston Medical Center become the first institution worldwide approved to deliver FDA-approved gene therapy for adult patients with SCD and beta-thalassemia. His research has produced landmark findings, including the discovery of HSP70’s role in erythropoiesis and the physiopathology of thalassemia, published in Nature, and pivotal clinical trial results featured in the New England Journal of Medicine and Nature Medicine. He has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications, contributed to international treatment guidelines, and written textbook chapters on hemoglobinopathies and gene therapy.

Recognized for excellence in research and clinical innovation, Dr. Ribeil has received honors such as the Horiba Abx Cellular Hematology Award from the French Society of Hematology and the René Descartes Award for young investigators. He is also committed to advancing diversity and equity in health care, ensuring access to cutting-edge therapies for historically underserved communities.

At UT Southwestern, Dr. Ribeil will lead efforts to expand comprehensive care for adults with sickle cell disease, deliver approved gene therapy treatments, and drive research into next-generation therapies aimed at improving outcomes and accessibility.