Disease Management Program Boosts AATD Therapy Adherence
Patients with AATD see improved treatment consistency by using structured support programs to manage their weekly infusion schedule.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Asthma
Live Poll
When prescribed long-term weekly treatments, do you find it easy to consistently maintain your therapy schedule?
A new disease management program for patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) has significantly improved treatment adherence rates to over 90 percent. The program, which monitors patients through frequent follow-up calls, helps address low initial uptake and consistency for those prescribed augmentation therapy.
Why it matters
Before this program, many patients struggled to initiate or maintain their weekly infusion schedules, which is critical for managing this condition. This structured approach helps ensure patients receive consistent care by setting realistic expectations and monitoring treatment progress.
This program analysis shows that structured management improved adherence to over 90 percent, compared to historical trends where fewer than 60 percent of patients even completed their first infusion. The threshold for high adherence is defined as receiving at least 50 of 52 infusions in the first year.
The players
AlphaNet
A health management organization that coordinates care and support services for individuals with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
The details
Alpha-1 antitrypsin acts as an acute phase reactant in the body, requiring consistent augmentation therapy to maintain normal levels. Because a full weekly dose only keeps these levels in the normal range for three days, the AlphaNet program uses frequent early telephone calls and monthly follow-ups to keep patients on track. By explicitly managing expectations—specifically that patients will not feel immediate relief—the program helps reduce the common tendency to delay or skip weekly infusions.
Timeline
2020-2022: Plasma donation levels declined during the COVID-19 pandemic.
First year of therapy: Adherence threshold defined as receiving 50 of 52 infusions.
Health Landscape
Treatment for AATD relies heavily on the consistent availability of plasma-derived therapy, a supply chain that faced significant strain when plasma donation levels fell during the 2020-2022 COVID-19 pandemic. This management model helps stabilize patient care despite these systemic external factors.
If you have been prescribed augmentation therapy for AATD, discussing a structured monitoring plan with your provider may help you maintain consistent weekly infusions. It is worth noting that you should not expect immediate physical relief upon starting therapy, as the treatment requires sustained adherence to be effective.
The takeaway
Maintaining consistent adherence is essential because the benefits of augmentation therapy are limited to three days per dose. If you are struggling with your infusion schedule, talk to your physician about patient support programs that can help you set realistic expectations for your treatment.
Further reading
For more on managing chronic respiratory conditions, visit our Asthma section.
Live Poll
When prescribed long-term weekly treatments, do you find it easy to consistently maintain your therapy schedule?
