In Memoriam: Jose Luis Ferretti, MD, PhD

[Alana Stewart]

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Jose Luis (Pepe) Ferretti, MD, PhD. Dr. Ferretti was a member of ASBMR since 1991 and attended all ASMBR annual meetings since 1989 until 2019. He was a proud member of the inaugural class of ASBMR Fellows (2018). He published in JBMR, presented his work and chaired sessions at annual ASBMR meetings; and also attended and actively participated in the Sun Valley Workshops of Musculoskeletal Biology yearly from 1991 to 2010. Dr. Ferretti was a Principal Investigator of the National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET) and of the Research Council of the National University of Rosario (CIUNR). He was co-founder and former President of the Argentinean Association of Osteology and Mineral Metabolism (AAOMM), and founder of the class of Biology, School of Biochemistry, and the Center for Studies of Mineral Metabolism of the School of Medicine (CEMFoC) of the National University of Rosario, Argentina. Dr. Ferretti was internationally recognized for his seminal work on Bone Structure and Biomechanics, which integrated mechanobiology into our understanding of the mechanisms of bone diseases and the mode of action of medications. In addition to his scientific contributions, Dr. Ferretti developed interesting concepts in philosophy, teaching, and interpretations of human history. His piano concerts added charm to various scientific gatherings in several countries, further showcasing his creative and multifaceted personality. The scientific community of Bone and Mineral Research of Argentina gives an emotional farewell to one of its most distinguished members and expresses condolences to his family and friends.

Please join us in recognizing Dr. Ferretti’s contributions by leaving a note or sharing a memory.

[HANS-GEORG ZMIERCZAK]

It's very sad to hear that Pepe has passed away. Appart to being a good scientist, he was a very kind person and I will remember him as very good friend.

[MARIA ZANCHETTA]

He was my teacher; it took me years to understand the meaning of his lectures, but finally understood that without muscles bones are nothing.

  Passionate, generous, and challenging always! I  have never met someone like him, his point of view was unique. Thanks Pepe! We will remember you always.

 

[Emilio Roldan]

I had the opportunity to collaborate with "Pepe" Ferretti in several experiments. Of special significance were those in which he demonstrated the biphasic effect of bisphosphonates on the biomechanical properties of bone. I also observed that the positive effect of these compounds on bone strength was due to an anabolic effect (later expressed as the inhibition of osteocyte apoptosis), beyond the classical anti-resorptive mechanism. This was a significant contribution to establishing the link between muscle and bone for the therapeutic efficiency of an antiosteoporotic medication. Pepe, alongside Harold Frost, Webster Jee, and Hans Schiessel, published groundbreaking concepts in their time, which continue to evolve in the field of osteology. My utmost respect and recognition for an independent, ethical, and highly productive researcher.