The Alpha-1 Project

The Alpha-1 Project (TAP) is a focused initiative that strategically invests in pharmaceutical and biotech companies to advance drug discovery and development for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. It actively bridges the gap between academic research and commercialization, providing crucial support for promising advancements through clinical trials. TAP’s technical approach involves targeted funding, with its portfolio currently comprising investments in twelve therapies directly addressing Alpha-1, five of which are in active clinical trials, alongside four tools aiding therapeutic development.

The Alpha-1 Foundation, the parent organization of TAP, was established on January 31, 1995, by John Walsh, Sandy Lindsey, and Susan Stanley. Their foundational insight stemmed from their personal diagnoses with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, recognizing a critical unmet need for dedicated research and support within the patient community. Their lived experience provided a profound understanding of the disease, directly inspiring the formation of an organization committed to finding effective treatments and a cure.

TAP’s efforts primarily benefit pharmaceutical and biotech companies developing solutions for Alpha-1, ultimately serving patients worldwide who suffer from this genetic condition. The long-term vision centers on the eradication of Alpha-1 related liver disease and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), coupled with a broader mission to improve the lives of all individuals affected by Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, aiming for a future free from its debilitating effects.