Alpha-1 Biomarkers Consortium (A1BC) Study
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 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.
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.
Therefore, the A1BC study will follow a cohort of patients with confirmed PiZZ Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency to measure a number of 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/Required to Participate in the A1BC?
- ZZ Alphas
- Enrollment in the Registry
- Adults 18 years and older
The A1BC is currently enrolling ZZ individuals, but MZs and SZs may be contacted in the future for participation.
To participate in the A1BC, first join the Alpha-1 Research Registry Portal (alphaoneregistry.org)
To learn more about the A1BC visit: About A1BC | Alpha1 (researchinalpha1.org)
If interested in participating in the A1BC, please provide your contact information below 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
