The Columbus Foundation

Fundación Columbus (also known as the Columbus Foundation) is a non-profit biotechnology organization dedicated to developing and providing access to advanced therapies for children with ultra-rare genetic diseases and cancer. Founded in 2017 by the creators of AskBio and Viralgen, the foundation addresses "ultra-orphan" conditions that lack commercial viability for traditional pharmaceutical companies. Its primary therapeutic focus is gene therapy using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors and proton therapy for pediatric oncology. The foundation operates through a unique collaborative model, partnering with clinical institutions like SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital and manufacturing partners like Viralgen to accelerate the delivery of curative treatments for diseases such as AADC deficiency and SPG50.