In 2026, let’s cross new lines together!
Lines of research moving forward, lines of solidarity expanding, lines of resistance giving way to treatments. May this new year be driven by scientific and medical advances, stronger solidarity and new victories against disease. AFM-Téléthon wishes a happy 2026 to all those who refuse the impossible and are building a true revolution in medicine!
For nearly 40 years, families confronted with the unacceptable have chosen to push back the boundaries of research. They have driven forward pioneering science, built a unique citizen mobilisation and promoted a new vision: a future where the words “incurable” and “impossible” no longer have a place.
2025 confirmed this change of era.
Children such as Noé, Marley, Mylane, Léo, Antonia, Charline and Lina, along with nearly 5,000 children worldwide living with spinal muscular atrophy and treated with gene therapy, have seen their lives transformed. Newborn screening for this disease, implemented in France since September 2025, marks a major advance for patients and their families. And more than 40 clinical trials are currently underway or in preparation for blood, liver, heart, vision, muscle and other diseases.
“We have entered a new era. We are now at the stage of treatments, of the first major therapies, and of major victories paving the way and pointing to the shortest route towards treatments for other diseases.”
Laurence Tiennot-Herment, President of AFM-Téléthon
However, 95% of rare diseases still have no treatment. Behind this figure are children, adults and families waiting for the therapy that could change their lives. The urgency remains. We are not giving up and continue this fight more determined than ever.