Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1AD) is an inherited genetic disorder that can cause a number of diseases including liver disease in children and adults and progressive lung disease in adults. There are currently no curative treatments for patients with Alpha-1 but several clinical trials are underway, providing hope to affected individuals and their families.

The SERPINA1 gene produces alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) protein. In healthy individuals the A1AT protein is released from the liver and circulates to protect the lungs and other organs from inflammation and damage. In individuals with a gene mutation, AAT is sometimes misfolded, which can cause a build-up in the liver. When the protein is totally missing, or someone has low levels of the protein, a loss of its protective function in the lungs occurs typically leading to irreversible lung disease.