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Alpha 1-Antitrypsin

University of Minnesota · FDA-approved active Small molecule ✓ Verified Jun 2026

Alpha 1-Antitrypsin is a Protease inhibitor; protein replacement therapy Small molecule drug developed by University of Minnesota. It is currently FDA-approved for Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency with emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency with progressive lung disease. Also known as: Aralast NP, Glassia, Kamada alpha 1-antitrypsin for inhalation, AAT.

Alpha 1-antitrypsin is a protease inhibitor that replaces deficient or dysfunctional alpha 1-antitrypsin protein to prevent neutrophil elastase-mediated tissue destruction in the lungs.

Alpha-1-Antitrypsin is a protein used to treat conditions such as Liver Fibrosis, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is administered through an intravenous catheter and is also being studied as an oligonucleotide modality, specifically as Fazirsiran Sodium.

At a glance

Generic nameAlpha 1-Antitrypsin
Also known asAralast NP, Glassia, Kamada alpha 1-antitrypsin for inhalation, AAT, Prolastin C
SponsorUniversity of Minnesota
Drug classProtease inhibitor; protein replacement therapy
TargetNeutrophil elastase
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaPulmonology; Genetic/Metabolic Disorders
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) is a serine protease inhibitor naturally produced by the liver that protects lung tissue from degradation by neutrophil elastase released during inflammation. In patients with alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, insufficient levels of this protective protein lead to progressive lung damage. Replacement therapy restores adequate AAT levels to inhibit elastase activity and slow or prevent emphysema progression.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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Frequently asked questions about Alpha 1-Antitrypsin

What is Alpha 1-Antitrypsin?

Alpha 1-Antitrypsin is a Protease inhibitor; protein replacement therapy drug developed by University of Minnesota, indicated for Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency with emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency with progressive lung disease.

How does Alpha 1-Antitrypsin work?

Alpha 1-antitrypsin is a protease inhibitor that replaces deficient or dysfunctional alpha 1-antitrypsin protein to prevent neutrophil elastase-mediated tissue destruction in the lungs.

What is Alpha 1-Antitrypsin used for?

Alpha 1-Antitrypsin is indicated for Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency with emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency with progressive lung disease.

Who makes Alpha 1-Antitrypsin?

Alpha 1-Antitrypsin is developed and marketed by University of Minnesota (see full University of Minnesota pipeline at /company/university-of-minnesota).

Is Alpha 1-Antitrypsin also known as anything else?

Alpha 1-Antitrypsin is also known as Aralast NP, Glassia, Kamada alpha 1-antitrypsin for inhalation, AAT, Prolastin C.

What drug class is Alpha 1-Antitrypsin in?

Alpha 1-Antitrypsin belongs to the Protease inhibitor; protein replacement therapy class. See all Protease inhibitor; protein replacement therapy drugs at /class/protease-inhibitor-protein-replacement-therapy.

What development phase is Alpha 1-Antitrypsin in?

Alpha 1-Antitrypsin is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Alpha 1-Antitrypsin?

Common side effects of Alpha 1-Antitrypsin include Infusion reactions, Headache, Fatigue, Dizziness, Injection site reactions.

What does Alpha 1-Antitrypsin target?

Alpha 1-Antitrypsin targets Neutrophil elastase and is a Protease inhibitor; protein replacement therapy.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing