[Michel Fardeau, a life dedicated to myology and its innovations].

Michel Fardeau (1929-2024) was the undisputed pioneer of French myology, internationally recognized for his foundational work on congenital myopathies and muscular dystrophies. A leading specialist in neuromuscular diseases, he described several major forms, including desmin-overload cardiomyopathies and deficiencies in sarcoglycan, merosin, and calpain-3, making decisive contributions to the classification and pathophysiological understanding of these disorders. He also initiated the first clinical gene therapy trials for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, marking a milestone in targeted treatments. His scientific approach, combining morphological, biochemical, and clinical perspectives, revolutionized the diagnosis and management of neuromuscular diseases, and his work remains a global reference that continues to inspire researchers and clinicians worldwide.