AFM-Téléthon, in collaboration with Bpifrance, has launched the largest European platform for the production of innovative therapies against rare diseases.
In 1987, the French discovered the AFM-Telethon on their television sets. An association of parents of children with rare, incurable genetic diseases. Almost 3 decades later, giant strides have been made.
The ambition of these parents to create therapies of the future capable of curing these pathologies is taking shape. With YposKesi (promise in Greek), AFM-Telethon is launching the first platform dedicated to the production of gene and cell therapy drugs for rare diseases.
“In 30 years, we have dared a lot. Against all odds, we dared to embark on research into genetic and cell therapy. And today, we are daring to industrialize our therapies, ”declared Laurence Tiennot-Herment with delight at the launch of the Digital Telethon on November 8 at the Cité de la Mode et du Design in Paris.
Because, after having invested in research, the AFM-Telethon hopes to move very quickly to production and marketing at “a fair and controlled price”. In collaboration with Bpifrance as part of the future investment program, the association has invested more than 120 million euros.
???? AFM-Telethon & @Bpifrance create #YposKesi, The leading player in the production of innovative medicines for #RareDiseases https://t.co/5ocYdnXE89 pic.twitter.com/SCdyjIq3gy
– Telethon (@Telethon_France) November 3, 2016
The generosity of the French essential
Equipped with a first production building of 5,000 m2 located in Evry (Essone), previously called Généthon Bioprod, and more than 100 researchers, YposKesi should expand by 2021. In 3 buildings over 13,000 m2, nearly 300 engineers, pharmacists, technicians and bioproduction experts from this laboratory specializing in gene therapy and I-Stem will be brought together.
With this unique industrial structure, AFM-Telethon hopes to become the European leader in the production of innovative therapies in rare diseases, and to produce these treatments on a large scale, which are still in clinical trials.
Marketing is therefore still a distant goal. And research, clinical development and therapeutic trials are far from over. Also, the association needs the generosity of the French. Last year, the Telethon had managed to collect 94 million euros in donations. She hopes to do as well this weekend of December 2-3.
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