Spotlight on Gene Therapy: finding a Cure

Each November, we raise awareness for alpha-one antitrypsin deficiency.

Alpha-one antitrypsin deficiency has been identified in virtually all populations. About 1 in every 2,500 Americans has Alpha-1. The American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS) recommend that everyone diagnosed with COPD, emphysema, or asthma that is not completely reversible with aggressive treatment, be tested for Alpha-1. Alpha-1 can lead to liver disease. The most serious liver diseases are cirrhosis and liver cancer. Alpha-1 cannot be diagnosed by symptoms or by a medical examination alone; you need this simple blood test to know for sure. For more information, call the Alpha-1 Foundation at 877-228-7321 or visit www.alpha1.org.

We will also host a special day-long event at UMass together with the Alpha-1 Foundation, where people can come meet fellow Alphas, share their story, and learn more about the research we do at UMass. More info to come soon.