Abstract
Genethon is a non-profit pharmaceutical R&D organization with the mission of developing innovative gene therapy treatments for patients affected with rare diseases. It was created by the patient organization AFM-Telethon in 1990, which has since been the source of most of its funding, thanks to the donations received during the yearly French Telethon. Genethon was a pioneer in the field of modern genetics after establishing the first maps of the human genome in the 1990s; it is now a pharmaceutical organization whose activity spans from upstream research to clinical development, encompassing innovative bioprocess development and large-scale GMP-manufacturing. It leads a diversified pipeline of products both at clinical and preclinical stages in the field of neuromuscular diseases, primary immunodeficiencies, retinal and liver diseases. The development of Genethon illustrates a unique example of patient-empowered research where a private non-profit structure, funded thanks to public generosity, favors highly innovative developments centered on the needs of patients.
Acknowledgements
The author wishes to acknowledge the support of Susan Cure in preparing this manuscript.