Latest News

Alpha-1 Symposium at American Thoracic Society International Conference

The landmark discovery of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency was 50 years ago in 1963, and to mark this the American Thoracic Society (ATS) will host a special symposium, "Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: The Next 50 Years" on Wednesday, May 22nd as part of the ATS International Conference in Philadelphia. The invited speakers include Professor Gerry McElvaney who presents data from a study in Beaumont Hospital which clarifies the risk of COPD among MZ carriers.

Healthy Ireland 2013 - 2025

Healthy Ireland is a new government framework for action aiming to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in Ireland over the coming generation. We at the Alpha One Foundation are particularly interested in the area of lung disease, in terms of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
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Fourth International Alpha-1 Patient Congress

The 4th International Patient Congress on Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency is being held in Barcelona on the weekend of April 12th - 13th, 2013.

We are delighted to have a delegation of Irish Alphas and their families attending the conference and proceedings can be watched live here.

The Committee on Health and Children discussed measures to improve lung health awareness and increase lung health promotion efforts when it met with representatives from the Irish Lung Health Alliance on Thursday, 7th February 2013. The Alpha One Foundation was one of six health charities that presented on the day. The Oireachtas Health Committee consists of TDs and Senators from all the political parties.

What is Alpha-1 Antitrypsin?

Alpha-1 antitrypsin is an important protein produced by the liver, which is released into the bloodstream and travels to the lungs. Once inside the lungs it provides protection from the destructive effects of infections and harmful irritants, particularly tobacco smoke.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (Alpha-1) is a genetic condition which, along with cystic fibrosis, is the commonest genetic lung disease in Ireland. It severely affects more than 2,000 people nationally, with another 10,000 individuals also at risk of lung and liver disease. It is the only proven genetic risk factor for COPD.

Welcome to Alpha One Foundation

The Alpha One Foundation was established in 2001 to promote research into Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1) and to improve the diagnosis, treatment, life expectancy and quality of life of people with this inherited condition.