The “Living with AATD: Empowering Patients and Healthcare Professionals” symposium will be co-chaired by researchers and pulmonary specialists Robert Sandhaus, MD, PhD and Charlie Strange, MD. The program will address differences in acute exacerbations in COPD and AATD, the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation and will offer several perspectives on Alpha 1 Antitrypsin (AAT) self-administration. In addition, Karen Skålvoll from Team Alpha-1 Athlete, and pulmonary and rehab expert physician, Rembert Koczulla, MD will highlight the benefits of exercise training in AATD and the impact on quality of life.
Karen comments, “Being able to self-administer my therapy gives me the freedom that I want and empowers me to exercise regularly and travel the world raising awareness of Alpha 1.”
CSL Behring will also host an exhibition booth (t.07) where visitors will be encouraged to participate in the “Donate Your Steps - Walk for Alpha1” programme by contributing steps walked during the congress for CSL Behring to convert into a monetary donation to Team Alpha-1 Athlete, a sports team working to raise awareness about lung disease and AATD.
In addition, the poster “Relationship Between Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and Ascending Aortic Distention” (Friedrich Kueppers, Farouk Dako, Huaqing Zhao , Alexandra Mulvenna, Seen Gupta, Scott Simpson), summarizing research supported by CSL Behring, will be on display during the congress.
About Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency is an inherited condition that can result in severe lung disease in adults and liver disease at any age, as well as other less known manifestations such as panniculitis, a skin disease. AATD is the most commonly known genetic risk factor for emphysema and is commonly referred to as genetic COPD. Low levels or absence of the protective protein Alpha 1 Antitrypsin, which is produced by the liver, characterize AATD.
About CSL Behring
CSL Behring is a global biotherapeutics leader driven by its promise to save lives. Focused on serving patients’ needs by using the latest technologies, we develop and deliver innovative therapies that are used to treat coagulation disorders, primary immune deficiencies, hereditary angioedema, respiratory disease, and neurological disorders. The company’s products are also used in cardiac surgery, burn treatment and to prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn.
CSL Behring operates one of the world’s largest plasma collection networks, CSL Plasma. The parent company, CSL Limited (ASX:CSL;USOTC:CSLLY), headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, employs more than 25,000 people, and delivers its life-saving therapies to people in more than 60 countries. For inspiring stories about the promise of biotechnology, visit Vita at CSLBehring.com/vita and follow us on Twitter.com/CSLBehring.
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