Alpha₁-antitrypsin deficiency, or “alpha-1,” is a rarely diagnosed genetic condition often called genetic COPD.
Alpha-1 is passed from generation to generation, and it can affect your lungs and/or liver. Only genetic testing by a doctor can confirm a diagnosis of alpha-1.
When you have alpha-1, your body doesn’t produce enough of a protein called alpha₁ antitrypsin.
This protein helps protect your lungs from damage caused by inflammation and infections, and from irritants like smoke or dust.
Without enough alpha₁ antitrypsin, your lungs could be more vulnerable to damage.
That damage could lead to conditions like emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
“If you've been diagnosed with alpha-1, educate yourself on the disease. Don't be afraid of what it is. Just get in control.”
More than 9 out of 10 people with alpha-1 don't know they have it.1
Approximately 100,000 people in the United States have alpha-1, and it may be a contributing cause of up to 3% of all COPD cases in the United States.1
Not many people get tested for alpha-1.
That’s because alpha-1 symptoms can be identical to the symptoms of asthma, emphysema, and COPD.2 Only genetic testing can confirm a diagnosis of alpha-1.
The time to act is now.
COPD related to alpha-1 is a progressive condition, meaning it can worsen over time. Treatment and lifestyle changes may be the right choice for some patients.
Alpha-1 is treatable.
While there is no cure, alpha-1 deficiency can be treated. Ask your doctor if augmentation therapy could be right for you.
Alpha-1 is passed down through families.
Everyone inherits an alpha-1 gene from each parent. Individuals who inherited two normal M genes do not have alpha-1, while those who inherited two abnormal genes are considered to have alpha-1. Among the many gene variants, the S and Z abnormalities are common. Some individuals inherit one normal M gene and one abnormal gene, such as S or Z. For example, parents with an MZ genetic makeup can pass the abnormal Z gene to their children.
MM
Does not carry an abnormal alpha-1 gene and does not have alpha-1
MZ
Carries one abnormal alpha-1 gene
ZZ
Has two abnormal alpha-1 genes and has alpha-1
People diagnosed with alpha-1 should encourage family members to get tested too.3-5
Alpha-1 is a genetic condition. If a family member is diagnosed with alpha-1, or found to have one abnormal alpha-1 gene, other family members could be affected. Since alpha-1 is a progressive disease, even if they don’t have symptoms now, early diagnosis could help prevent future lung damage.6
Help family members learn their risk of alpha-1 for free.
Only a doctor can confirm a diagnosis of alpha-1, but family members can screen themselves for the risk of alpha-1, at home and at no cost. Learn more at AlphaIDAtHome.com. The receipt of this free testing service does not create any expectation or obligation to purchase or use any product or service offered by any manufacturer.
Alpha-1 can feel overwhelming, but little changes can make a big difference.
Developing the right habits could benefit your overall health.
Important Safety Information
View ClosePROLASTIN®-C LIQUID is an alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (human) (alpha1-PI) indicated for chronic augmentation and maintenance therapy in adults with clinical evidence of emphysema due to severe hereditary deficiency of alpha1-PI (alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency).
Limitations of Use
- The effect of augmentation therapy with any alpha1-PI, including PROLASTIN-C LIQUID, on pulmonary exacerbations and on the progression of emphysema in alpha1-PI deficiency has not been conclusively demonstrated in randomized, controlled clinical trials
- Clinical data demonstrating the long-term effects of chronic augmentation or maintenance therapy with PROLASTIN-C LIQUID are not available
- PROLASTIN-C LIQUID is not indicated as therapy for lung disease in patients in whom severe alpha1-PI deficiency has not been established
PROLASTIN-C LIQUID is contraindicated in immunoglobulin A (IgA)-deficient patients with antibodies against IgA or patients with a history of anaphylaxis or other severe systemic reaction to alpha1-PI products.
Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may occur. Monitor vital signs and observe the patient carefully throughout the infusion. If hypersensitivity symptoms occur, promptly stop PROLASTIN-C LIQUID infusion and begin appropriate therapy.
Because PROLASTIN-C LIQUID is made from human plasma, it may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents, eg, viruses, the variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) agent, and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent. This also applies to unknown or emerging viruses and other pathogens.
The most common adverse reactions during PROLASTIN-C LIQUID clinical trials in >5% of subjects were diarrhea and fatigue, each of which occurred in 2 subjects (6%).
Please see full Prescribing Information for PROLASTIN-C LIQUID.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
PROLASTIN®-C LIQUID is an alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (human) (alpha1-PI) indicated for chronic augmentation and maintenance therapy in adults with clinical evidence of emphysema due to severe hereditary deficiency of alpha1-PI (alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency).
Limitations of Use
- The effect of augmentation therapy with any alpha1-PI, including PROLASTIN-C LIQUID, on pulmonary exacerbations and on the progression of emphysema in alpha1-PI deficiency has not been conclusively demonstrated in randomized, controlled clinical trials
- Clinical data demonstrating the long-term effects of chronic augmentation or maintenance therapy with PROLASTIN-C LIQUID are not available
- PROLASTIN-C LIQUID is not indicated as therapy for lung disease in patients in whom severe alpha1-PI deficiency has not been established
PROLASTIN-C LIQUID is contraindicated in immunoglobulin A (IgA)-deficient patients with antibodies against IgA or patients with a history of anaphylaxis or other severe systemic reaction to alpha1-PI products.
Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may occur. Monitor vital signs and observe the patient carefully throughout the infusion. If hypersensitivity symptoms occur, promptly stop PROLASTIN-C LIQUID infusion and begin appropriate therapy.
Because PROLASTIN-C LIQUID is made from human plasma, it may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents, eg, viruses, the variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) agent, and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent. This also applies to unknown or emerging viruses and other pathogens.
The most common adverse reactions during PROLASTIN-C LIQUID clinical trials in >5% of subjects were diarrhea and fatigue, each of which occurred in 2 subjects (6%).
Please see full Prescribing Information for PROLASTIN-C LIQUID.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Important Safety Information
PROLASTIN®-C LIQUID is an alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (human) (alpha1-PI) indicated for chronic augmentation and maintenance therapy in adults with clinical evidence of emphysema due to severe hereditary deficiency of alpha1-PI (alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency).
Limitations of Use
- The effect of augmentation therapy with any alpha1-PI, including PROLASTIN-C LIQUID, on pulmonary exacerbations and on the progression of emphysema in alpha1-PI deficiency has not been conclusively demonstrated in randomized, controlled clinical trials
- Clinical data demonstrating the long-term effects of chronic augmentation or maintenance therapy with PROLASTIN-C LIQUID are not available
- PROLASTIN-C LIQUID is not indicated as therapy for lung disease in patients in whom severe alpha1-PI deficiency has not been established
PROLASTIN-C LIQUID is contraindicated in immunoglobulin A (IgA)-deficient patients with antibodies against IgA or patients with a history of anaphylaxis or other severe systemic reaction to alpha1-PI products.
Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may occur. Monitor vital signs and observe the patient carefully throughout the infusion. If hypersensitivity symptoms occur, promptly stop PROLASTIN-C LIQUID infusion and begin appropriate therapy.
Because PROLASTIN-C LIQUID is made from human plasma, it may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents, eg, viruses, the variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) agent, and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent. This also applies to unknown or emerging viruses and other pathogens.
The most common adverse reactions during PROLASTIN-C LIQUID clinical trials in >5% of subjects were diarrhea and fatigue, each of which occurred in 2 subjects (6%).
Please see full Prescribing Information for PROLASTIN-C LIQUID.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
References
- Campos MA, Wanner A, Zhang G, Sandhaus RA. Trends in the diagnosis of symptomatic patients with α1-antitrypsin deficiency between 1968 and 2003. Chest. 2005;128(3):1179-1186.
- Alpha-1 Foundation. Testing & Diagnosis, https://alpha1.org/testing-diagnosis/ Accessed 6 May 2026.
- World Health Organization. α1-antitrypsin deficiency: memorandum from a WHO meeting. Bull World Health Org. 1997;75(5):397-415.
- American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society statement: Standards for the diagnosis and management of individuals with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2003;168(7):818-900.
- Sandhaus RA, Turino G, Brantly ML, et al. The diagnosis and management of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in the adult. Chronic Obstr Pulm Dis. 2016;3(3):668-682.
- AlphaNet. What Does it Mean to be an Alpha-1 Advocate? https://www.alphanet.org/what-does-it-mean-to-be-an-alpha-1-advocate. Accessed 6 May 2026.