Two Foundations Applaud NHLBI Proposal for $12 Million Research Study on the Genetics of Sarcoidosis and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

CHICAGO & MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Alpha-1 Foundation and the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research today praised the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health for a planned three-year study of two serious conditions that affect the lungs: Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1) and sarcoidosis.

“conduct state-of-the-art genomic, microbiomics and phenotypic studies”

According to the NHLBI, the research centers will “conduct state-of-the-art genomic, microbiomics and phenotypic studies” of the two conditions.

Alpha-1 is a genetic condition that can cause lung and liver disease. It is the most common known genetic cause of emphysema, which affects millions of Americans. Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that can affect almost any organ in the body. In people in the United States, sarcoidosis most commonly targets the lungs and lymph nodes. The disease can affect people of any age, race and gender.

The $12 million study, called the Genomic Research in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and Sarcoidosis (GRADS) program, will assemble a multidisciplinary team of investigators. The GRADS program will include multiple clinical centers and one genomics and informatics center.

About the Alpha-1 Foundation:

The mission of the Alpha-1 Foundation is to provide the leadership and resources that will result in increased research, improved health, worldwide detection, and a cure for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. For more information, visit www.alpha-1foundation.org.

About the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research:

The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving care for sarcoidosis patients and to finding a cure for this disease. For more information, visit http://www.stopsarcoidosis.org.