Alpha-1 Foundation

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1) is one of the most common serious hereditary disorders in the U.S. There is no cure for Alpha-1. In its severe form, Alpha-1 can result in liver and/or lung disease at various stages in life. There may be up to 100,000 people with Alpha-1 (ZZ) in the United States. Alpha-1 is still grossly under recognized – less than 10% of the ZZ population has been diagnosed. The mission of the Alpha-1 Foundation is to provide the leadership and resources that will result in increased research, improved health, worldwide detection and a cure for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Developing effective healthcare treatment and prevention—whether drugs, healthcare technologies, clinical strategies, or community interventions—depends on more than just scientists working in the laboratory. It involves a network of support from the government, from industry, from the community, as well as from healthcare providers and patients. Alpha-1 builds unique partnerships between patients, families, physicians, industry and researchers. From creating educational materials for patients, to advocating for better public policy, to shaping a research agenda that will lead to new medical insights and treatments, the Alpha-1 Foundation plays a critical role in the battle against disease. The Alpha-1 Foundation is the global leader in the fight against Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. The Foundation has invested nearly $39 million to support Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) research and programs in 70 institutions in North America and Europe. The level of research activity in AAT is at an all-time high and holds much hope for the future for individuals diagnosed with AAT Deficiency.