Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Treatment: Advances Supporting Better Lung and Liver Health
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) is a hereditary condition that affects the lungs and liver, caused by the lack of a protective protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT). This protein normally shields lung tissue from inflammation and helps the liver function properly. When AAT levels are low, patients may develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, or liver complications at an early age. Although AATD is lifelong, treatment advancements are helping patients manage symptoms more effectively and improve quality of life.
One of the most recognized treatment options is augmentation therapy, which directly increases AAT levels in the bloodstream. It involves weekly or biweekly infusions of purified AAT protein derived from human plasma. By restoring normal levels, this therapy slows down the progression of lung damage. While augmentation therapy is not a cure, it remains the only treatment designed to address…