News
People on Medicare saved $2.1 billion on prescription drugs in 2011 under overhaul in healthcare law
Posted: Friday February 3, 2012 under News Announcements
Los Angeles Times
WASHINGTON — In the first full year of the new healthcare law, 3.6 million people in the government Medicare program saved $2.1 billion on prescription drugs in 2011, the Obama administration announced Thursday.
2012 will mark the fifth anniversary of Rare Disease Day
Posted: Wednesday February 1, 2012 under News Announcements
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency among many underdiagnosed
FDA approves "breakthrough" drug that treats cause of disease for 1,200 cystic fibrosis patients in US
Posted: Wednesday February 1, 2012 under News Announcements
New York Times
The first drug that treats an underlying cause of cystic fibrosis, rather than just the symptoms, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday, more than 22 years after the gene responsible for the disease was first identified.
Karen Erickson, with lung function under 20% and in need of a transplant, still teaching people about Alpha-1
Posted: Monday January 30, 2012 under News Announcements
Ventura County Star
THOUSAND OAKS, California — Karen Erickson was told she had two years to live 11 years ago.
Test to evaluate severity of COPD exacerbations may help researchers find better treatments
Posted: Friday January 27, 2012 under News Announcements
Medscape Today
Scores obtained at exacerbation with the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) assessment test (CAT) are a reliable indicator of exacerbation severity and can also be used to model recovery, according to a new study.
COPD Foundation appoints Lawrence Stern, Michael Mayer to board of directors
Posted: Wednesday January 25, 2012 under News Press Releases
Business Wire
WASHINGTON — The COPD Foundation (COPDF) today announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors: Lawrence Stern, the former Chairman and CEO of Talecris Biotherapeutics and Michael P. Mayer, co-creator of the Richard H. Scarborough Bronchiectasis Research Consortium and Registry.
Massachusetts newspaper tells the love story of Alpha Sally Everett and her new book
Posted: Wednesday January 25, 2012 under News Announcements
The Republican, Springfield, MA
LONGMEADOW, Massachusetts – In 1993, Sally Everett was 50, a single mother, living in Nyack, NY, and working as regional director of the Medicaid fraud unit in the attorney general’s office, when a bout of pneumonia led to a devastating diagnosis.
Hospital collaborative program cuts costs by billions and reduces deaths by 29%
Posted: Tuesday January 24, 2012 under News Press Releases
Premier Healthcare Alliance
CHARLOTTE, N.C., AND WASHINGTON, D.C. – In three years, 157 hospitals participating in the Premier healthcare alliance’s Quest: High Performing Hospitals national collaborative have saved an estimated 24,820 lives and reduced healthcare spending by nearly $4.5 billion.
Celtic Connection Committee honors Alpha-1 researcher's success with the 2012 Shillelagh award
Posted: Monday January 23, 2012 under News Announcements
NEWTON, Massachusetts — Every year, Alphas, their friends and families join to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day – usually a bit early – at the Celtic Connection dinner. The dinner, apart from being a great time, is also a fundraiser for Alpha-1 research programs.
Texas man shows support for Alpha wife by running in Houston Marathon
Posted: Wednesday January 18, 2012 under News Announcements
Last Sunday, Chip Trahan ran the Houston Marathon to raise awareness and funds for Alpha-1 research. His wife Jennifer is an Alpha, so Chip decided to show support and run on her behalf. They raised nearly $1,900 for Alpha-1 research and programs, with $480 from shirt sales alone.
