Latest news

From April 22 to 25, the AFM-Telethon is organizing a major scientific congress at the Palais des Congrès in Paris. More than 1,100 experts in muscle and its diseases from all over the world will gather to review the latest advances in our knowledge of muscle (myogenesis, regeneration, fibrosis, aging, exercise, etc.) and our understanding of neuromuscular diseases, as well as the latest therapeutic innovations, particularly in gene therapy. 

The Telethon 2023 ended on a high of €80,671,222, which shows the confidence and exceptional mobilization of donors and volunteers for this year's event, rich in victories against disease and promises for all those waiting for the diagnosis and treatment that will change their lives. We must not give up. 

The 2024 edition of the International Consortium on Myotonic Dystrophy (IDMC-14) will take place in Nijmegen from 9 to 13 April 2024. This is an opportunity to learn, share and network thanks to the presence of scientists, clinicians, patients and professionals from the pharmaceutical industry. 

The 8th edition of international congress dedicated to neuromuscular science, MYOLOGY 2024, will take place in Paris from 22 to 25 April 2024. Registration and call for abstract are now open : don't miss an opportunity to showcase your latest study to an international community of scientists and healthcare professionals. The deadline for abstract submission has been extended until November 30, 2023 - 11:59 pm.

The 30th of September is Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Day. At this occasion, the LGMD Interest Group of the AFM-Téléthon is planning an information day about these diseases in Evry. 

The 10th World Duchenne Awareness Day, on September 7, is a call to action to break down the physical, social and healthcare barriers faced by the 250,000 people around the world affected by this disease. It's also an opportunity to take stock of advances in research into this disease, which is emblematic of our Association. 

In an article published in July 2023, an Italian researcher traces the birth and development of myology. This medical science of muscle and its diseases has developed over time, not only thanks to the advent of tools and technologies that improve our knowledge of muscle, but also thanks to the international collaborations that have marked its history.

Characterized by fatigue and muscle weakness that fluctuate over time, autoimmune myasthenia gravis is the subject of the very first European Myasthenia Gravis Day, on 2 June 2023. The aim is to give as many people as possible an understanding of the impact of this unpredictable and often invisible disease, and to standardize the way it is treated across Europe. 

ILTOO Pharma and the European consortium MIROCALS have just announced the signing of a license agreement for the development of a low-dose Interleukin 2 as a potential treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The AFM-Telethon helped finance this clinical study, which shows an improvement in patient survival. 

Thank you to everyone: donors, volunteers mobilized throughout France and abroad, families, partners, personalities! Thanks to your mobilization on December 2 and 3, the Telethon 2022 raised 90,839,067 euros! This tremendous result - the best since 2016 - shows how much the French people support the families’ fight against rare diseases.

Because muscles are a major public health issue, AFM-Telethon and the Institute of Myology, an international center of expertise on muscles and their diseases, are carrying out a project for a Myology Foundation. In addition, to raise awareness on myology among the public, they are launching two events dedicated to this public health issue in June 2023: the Muscle Conferences and Muscle Week. 

The AFM-Telethon sends you its best wishes for the New Year and wishes you a year 2023 full of color and joy!

The Téléthon 30-hour-long broadcast ended with donations totaling 78 051 091 euros. From Guebwiller to Cassis, Dijon, Lorient and Cap-Ferret, millions of people came together again for the Téléthon, this unique celebration with its thousands of events. A vital support for the families and researchers, “these saving lives maniacs” as Kev Adams called them. But while researchers’ victories multiply, all week-end long patients and their families reminded everyone of the urgency of finding new treatments. 

You live abroad and want to play a part in the Telethon? Join the Telethon for French people abroad and help us break records of mobilization around the world!