Fondazione Telethon (Telethon Foundation) is an Italian non-profit biomedical research foundation focused on rare genetic diseases. Founded in 1990, it funds and conducts research across the full translational pathway—from basic discovery to preclinical development and early clinical studies—with the aim of turning genetic insights into therapeutic solutions.
The foundation operates dedicated research programs and institutes, including the Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (TIGET) at IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele in Milan and the Dulbecco Telethon Institute. It supports competitive grant schemes, natural history studies, and the Telethon Network of Genetic Biobanks, and advances gene and cell therapy platforms in collaboration with hospitals, universities, and industry partners. Activities include vector development, clinical trial support, and technology transfer to enable regulatory-grade development and patient access. Based in Italy, Fondazione Telethon serves as a hub for rare disease research and innovation with a strong emphasis on translational outcomes.
