In May 2020, the National Institutes of Health awarded a grant to identify and characterize biomarkers in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. The grant was awarded to Jeanine D’Armiento, MD, PhD at Columbia University in New York City and Charlie Strange, MD at the Medical University of South Carolina as Co-Principal Investigators.
What is a Biomarker?
A biomarker is a quantifiable parameter that is measured and evaluated as an indicator of a disease process or a response to therapy; for example, FEV1 is used to predict lung decline. Progression of lung disease in patients with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency is variable and while some patients may have stable lung function over many years, some progress and deteriorate rapidly.
About the A1BC Study
The A1BC study will follow a cohort of patients with confirmed PiZZ Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency to measure a number of different biomarkers in blood and sputum and obtain high resolution CT scans at baseline, 18 months and 3 years later. If the study is able to determine markers that allow the identification of patients at risk for lung function decline, the investigators may be able to study early interventions and find ways to avoid serious complications.
Who is Eligible to Participate in the A1BC?
The A1BC Study is looking for patients who are:
- ZZ Alphas
- Adults 18 years and older
- Enrolled in the Alpha-1 Research Registry
- To participate in the A1BC Study, first join the Alpha-1 Research Registry Portal (alphaoneregistry.org)
- Unsure if you are enrolled in the Alpha-1 Research Registry? Click below to use the Research Registry Look-up Tool to see if you are in the Registry: https://alpha1.org/rrlt/
To learn more about the A1BC Study visit: About A1BC | Alpha1 (researchinalpha1.org)
If interested in participating in the A1BC, please complete the A1BC Study Inquiry Form below to provide your contact information and a member of the A1BC team will reach out to you to answer any questions or to help you enroll.
You may also contact us at the Alpha-1 Foundation by email at alpha1registry@alpha1.org or phone 1-877-228-7321 ext.252 or 245.
By answering the following questions, you agree to have the information you provide retained by the Alpha-1 Foundation and be contacted by phone or email (as provided) regarding interest in study participation only.
