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Latest News from the Alpha One Foundation

Would you like to help build a better Health Service?
Monday, September 18th 2017 10:44

A new project called "Your Voice Matters; stories to build a better health service" has been launched by the HSE in conjunction with IPPOSI. To improve the health service, the HSE wants to find out what patients and service users expect from it and to find out what matters most to people in Ireland. In Your Voice...

"We Need To Breathe To Live..."
Thursday, September 14th 2017 16:37

Can you imagine struggling to breathe… Close your eyes and focus on how you breathe, how you take this basic task for granted, you just do it without thinking about it. It’s really no big deal… or is it? Oxygen enters your body via your lungs. Then the oxygen passes into your blood, your blood carries the oxygen to your...

Save the Date - Alpha-1 Conference 2017
Tuesday, September 12th 2017 10:19

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...

Patients Left Devastated after HSE Decides not to Fund Respreeza Therapy for People with Alpha-1 (genetic emphysema)
Thursday, August 10th 2017 15:09

Alpha One Foundation calls on Minister to reconsider decision for patients who have no other therapy option -Drug company, CSL Behring, urged not to stop therapy for 21 patients already receiving drug on "compassionate-use" basis - On behalf of patients with Alpha-1 (genetic emphysema), the Alpha One Foundation has...

Alpha One Foundation attend Joint Committee on Health July 12th
Tuesday, July 25th 2017 12:22

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health met on July 12th to discuss the process for the review and approval of Orphan Drugs. The Alpha One Foundation represented approximately 60 Alpha-1 patients, at the meeting, 21 of whom are currently receiving a drug called Respreeza on a “Compassionate Use” basis and approximately 40 more...

Thursday, June 22nd 2017 16:01 Would you like to become a Patient Expert?
Tuesday, May 30th 2017 09:47 Alpha-1 Action Group Dáil Éireann Protest Tomorrow May 31st
Thursday, May 25th 2017 10:39 Alpha-1 Action Group Dáil Éireann Protest for May 31st

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