Save the Date – Alpha-1 Conference 2017

September 12, 2017 Alpha1 Admin Comments Off

The Annual Alpha-1 Conference for 2017 will take place on Friday October 20th in Marino Institute of Education on Griffith Avenue in Dublin 9. We are delighted to announce this year’s special guest speaker is the President and CEO of the US Alpha-1 Foundation Henry Moehring. Other speakers include Dr. Aisling de Paor from DCU School of Law who will discuss genetic discrimination in Ireland and Professor Gerry McElvaney who will highlight new and emerging therapies for Alpha-1.

If you would like to attend please let us know by calling 01-8093871 or email alpha1@rcsi.ie .

Marino 2016 event

Full Agenda

09.30 Registration, Tea and Coffee

10.00 Conference Opening by Henry Moehring, CEO and President, US Alpha-1 Foundation

10.10 Alpha-1 – The US Experience

Henry Moehring, CEO and President, US Alpha-1 Foundation

10.40 New Therapies for Alpha-1

Professor Gerry McElvaney, Respiratory Consultant, Beaumont Hospital

11.10 Coffee Break

11.30 Genetic Discrimination in Ireland

Dr. Aisling de Paor, Lecturer in School of Law & Government, Dublin City University

12.00 National AATD Targeted Detection Programme & National AATD Registry: An Update

Dr. Tomás Carroll & Margaret Molloy, Alpha One Foundation

12.30 Research Projects in Alpha-1

Dr. Emer Reeves, Noreen Lacey, Danielle Dunlea, Laura Fee, RCSI

13.00 Light Lunch Provided in College Cafeteria

14.00 The SZ Question – An Irish Family Study

Dr. Alessandro Franciosi, Clinical Lecturer and Researcher, RCSI

14.30 Pulmonary Rehabilitation & Exercise Demonstration

Eóin Durkan, PhD Student, School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University

15.00 Closing Remarks

Info Centre

What is Alpha-1 Antitrypsin?

Alpha-1 antitrypsin is a vital protein produced by the liver to protect the lungs. It provides protection from the harmful effects of infections and inhaled irritants, particularly tobacco smoke. It can be easily measured by a simple blood test.

What is Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency?

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (Alpha-1) is a genetic condition which, after cystic fibrosis, is the commonest genetic disorder in Ireland. It severely affects more than 15,000 people, with another 250,000 carriers also at risk of lung and liver disease on the island of Ireland. It is a proven genetic risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

How Do I Get Tested?

The Alpha-1 Foundation Ireland provides free testing for Alpha-1 as part of a national screening programme which is funded by the HSE. It is a simple blood test. For more details ring 01-8093871 or email alpha1@rcsi.ie