AlphaNet Canada

AlphaNet Canada AlphaNet Canada is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals in Canada affected by the genetic condition, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (Alpha-1).

We provide complimentary disease management services to individuals diagnosed with Alpha-1. Alpha-1 Canada advocates on behalf of Canadians affected by alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. We also inform and educate the medical community about alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency; and generate broad awareness about this genetic liver, lung and skin disease.

Each alveolus is supplied by many tiny blood vessels called capillaries. For oxygen and carbon dioxide to be exchanged, ...
11/19/2025

Each alveolus is supplied by many tiny blood vessels called capillaries. For oxygen and carbon dioxide to be exchanged, they must cross the alveolar capillary membrane. This exchange is promoted by diffusion — the passage of gas molecules through respiratory membranes. In diffusion, oxygen passes to the blood, and carbon dioxide, a by-product of cellular metabolism, passes out of the blood and is channeled away through exhalation.

To learn more, please visit bfrg.alphanet.org to access the Big Fat Reference Guide (BFRG).

This weekend, we were proud to address the misconceptions surrounding Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and collaborate wit...
11/17/2025

This weekend, we were proud to address the misconceptions surrounding Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and collaborate with fellow patient organizations, industry partners, and government stakeholders during the 2025 NRBDO Deliberative Dialogue & Fall Forum.

Our Executive Director and NRBDO Chair, Angela Diano, chaired the event, which featured in-depth policy conversations on plasma collection and product use in Canada. She was joined by Jon Holmes, AlphaNet Canada, Intake Manager, and Joanna Jagdeo, Canada’s Alpha-1 Patient Registry Coordinator.

A key takeaway from the weekend was the importance of understanding the full clinical patient experience to inform future patient needs. This is why participation in the global clinical patient registry, EARCO, is so essential.

Please contact Joanna at info@inspirationresearch.ca to confirm that you are enrolled in EARCO.

November is Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month, aimed at raising awareness about this serious condition to promote e...
11/14/2025

November is Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month, aimed at raising awareness about this serious condition to promote early diagnosis, better treatment options, and the pursuit of a cure.

The Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada reports around 5,000 diagnosed cases, with estimates suggesting up to 10,000 may be living with this condition.

For more information, visit bfrg.alphanet.org for the Big Fat Reference Guide (BFRG), which includes an article on Alpha-1's role in pulmonary hypertension and its connection to heart failure (Cor Pulmonale).

Today, we pay tribute to the memory of all Canadians who have served and sacrificed their lives in wars, conflicts, and ...
11/11/2025

Today, we pay tribute to the memory of all Canadians who have served and sacrificed their lives in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions.

To learn more, please visit bfrg.alphanet.org to access the Big Fat Reference Guide (BFRG).
11/05/2025

To learn more, please visit bfrg.alphanet.org to access the Big Fat Reference Guide (BFRG).

November is Alpha-1 Awareness Month. We use this time to celebrate the Alpha-1 community, raise awareness about this rar...
11/01/2025

November is Alpha-1 Awareness Month. We use this time to celebrate the Alpha-1 community, raise awareness about this rare genetic condition, and emphasize the importance of family testing.

To learn more about alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, click the link to sign up for access to the Big Fat Reference Guide -- a comprehensive guide to living with Alpha-1: https://bfrg.alphanet.org.

If you missed our webinar session on October 4th with AlphaNet Canada's Medical Director Dr. Ken Chapman, you can now wa...
10/30/2025

If you missed our webinar session on October 4th with AlphaNet Canada's Medical Director Dr. Ken Chapman, you can now watch the full recording on our Subscriber Portal!

Dr. Chapman provided an overview of the ongoing Wave Life Sciences’ Phase 1b/2a RestorAATion-2 (WVE-006) study and its significance for the Alpha-1 community.

To access AlphaNet Canada's Subscriber Portal, visit the link here: https://survey.alphanetcanada.ca

If you are not yet enrolled in the portal and would like to join, please contact: infoca@alphanetcanada.ca

Even the most advanced Alpha-1 laboratories recommend confirmatory testing. Having confirmed the diagnosis, it is not ne...
10/22/2025

Even the most advanced Alpha-1 laboratories recommend confirmatory testing. Having confirmed the diagnosis, it is not necessary to test again in the future, since as a genetic condition, your Alpha-1 genes will not change. There are circumstances that can change your level or genotype, specifically augmentation therapy or liver transplantation.

To learn more, please visit bfrg.alphanet.org to access the Big Fat Reference Guide (BFRG).

10/20/2025

[NOUVEL ÉPISODE DE PODCAST] Le plasma : le médicament caché qui sauve des vies

Dans notre dernier podcast, nous allons au-delà des lignes directrices cliniques pour explorer le monde des thérapies dérivées du plasma. Nous nous entretenons avec Anita Brickman, directrice générale de la Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA), afin de discuter du processus complexe et fortement réglementé qui rend possible le traitement d’augmentation pour le déficit en alpha-1 antitrypsine (DAAT).

Cet épisode est essentiel pour les pneumologues, les immunologistes et les professionnels de santé. Vous y découvrirez :

- Pourquoi les thérapies dérivées du plasma sont fondamentalement différentes des produits pharmaceutiques traditionnels.
- Les normes mondiales rigoureuses (inactivation virale, tests) nécessaires pour garantir la sécurité des produits.
- La demande croissante de plasma à l’échelle mondiale, stimulée par de meilleurs diagnostics et une espérance de vie plus longue des patients.
- L’impact profond et durable des donneurs de plasma sur les patients atteints du DAAT et d’autres maladies immunitaires.

Comprendre ce lien est la clé pour défendre l’accès des patients.

Écoutez dès maintenant : https://youtu.be/pNq8_HBIBNU

En savoir plus sur le plasma et l'alpha-1 https://chroniclungdiseases.com/fr/nouvelles/plasma-et-alpha-1/

10/20/2025

[NEW PODCAST EPISODE] Plasma: The Hidden Medicine That Saves Lives

In our latest podcast, we go beyond the clinical guidelines and into the world of plasma-derived therapies. We sit down with Anita Brickman, CEO of the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA), to discuss the complex and highly regulated process that makes augmentation therapy for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) possible.

This episode is essential for pulmonologists, immunologists, and healthcare professionals. You'll learn:

- Why plasma-derived therapies are fundamentally different from traditional pharmaceuticals.
- The rigorous global standards (viral deactivation, testing) required to ensure product safety.
- The growing worldwide need for plasma, driven by better diagnosis and longer patient lifespans.
- The profound, long-term impact of plasma donors on patients with AATD and other immune disorders.

Understanding this vital link is key to advocating for patient access.

Listen now: https://youtu.be/pNq8_HBIBNU

Learn more about Plasma and Alpha-1: https://chroniclungdiseases.com/en/news/plasma-saves-lives-alpha-1/

Happy Thanksgiving!
10/13/2025

Happy Thanksgiving!

Mental health is an essential part of overall well-being, yet remains one of the most neglected areas of public health, ...
10/10/2025

Mental health is an essential part of overall well-being, yet remains one of the most neglected areas of public health, affecting nearly 1 billion people globally. Prioritize your mental health, not just for yourself, but for those around you.

For practical tips on improving your mental health and well-being, check out “Stress and Alpha-1” on the Big Fat Reference Guide.

Visit the Big Fat Reference Guide here:
https://bfrg.alphanet.org/s/article/5-25-2-stress-and-alpha-1

Address

Toronto, ON
M9B6H7

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when AlphaNet Canada posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to AlphaNet Canada:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Our Story

Alpha-1 Canada provides information, education and support to Canadians affected by alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. We also inform and educate the medical community about alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency; and generate broad awareness about this genetic liver, lung and skin disease.