The Alpha-1 Center provides comprehensive care for patients and families with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), the leading genetic cause of emphysema. Our multi-disciplinary team specializes in all aspects of care for AATD, including diagnosis, genetic counseling, and treatment, combining clinical care with research to enhance outcomes.
Location and Contact
Shapiro Center
Wednesday, noon to 4 p.m.
Related Departments and Programs
Pulmonology, Allergy, Sleep, and Critical Care Medicine
Gastroenterology
Cardiovascular Center
Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship
This three-year program provides training for fellows to become board-certified in both pulmonary medicine and critical care medicine. The fellowship includes clinical care at BMC and the VA Boston Healthcare system, as well as a mentored research project. An optional fourth year focused on research is also available to trainees.
Research Overview
The Alpha-1 Center is actively involved in both laboratory-based research using patient biological samples and clinical research. Currently, we are initiating the first gene therapy trial for patients with liver complications of alpha-1 deficiency. All patients are evaluated to assess suitability for currently enrolling studies. We counsel patients about and enroll when appropriate in both observational studies and interventional clinical trials.