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.

The 2013 American Thoracic Society International Conference being held from May 17th – 22nd in Philadelphia is one of the largest gatherings of lung, critical care, and sleep clinicians and researchers in the world, and highlights the latest developments in the diagnosis and treatment of all respiratory disorders. More than 12,000 lung, critical care and sleep professionals from around the world attend, including renowned experts and leaders in Alpha-1.

The Alpha One Foundation were delighted to be invited to present 3 studies from our national Alpha-1 screening programme based at Beaumont Hospital, with a further 7 studies on Alpha-1 presented by the Department of Medicine, RCSI and the McElvaney group. The conference provides an opportunity for us to showcase the work being done in Ireland, and also learn about the very latest developments in the diagnosis and treatment of Alpha-1.

The special Alpha-1 symposium was opened by John Walsh, President and CEO of the US Alpha-1 Foundation, and an Irish-American who was diagnosed with Alpha-1 in 1989. The evening included talks by a host of Alpha-1 experts from all over the US. More details on the special 50th anniversary Alpha-1 symposium can be found here.