AlphaNet, Inc., a not-for-profit specialty disease management organization, has reached the $50 million level in contributions to the Alpha-1 Foundation, according to AlphaNet President and CEO Robert C. Barrett.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170110005462/en/

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, commonly known as “Alpha-1”, is a genetic disorder causing life-threatening liver and/or lung disease. Those diagnosed with the disorder refer to themselves as “Alphas.”

Founded in 1995, AlphaNet has consistently supported the Alpha-1 Foundation with funding for groundbreaking research efforts, as well as specialized programs benefiting the Alpha-1 community. AlphaNet employs a unique, patient-driven business model with the singular focus of improving the lives of patients afflicted with Alpha-1.

“Through unique disease management partnerships, strong Board oversight and rigorous fiscal controls, we have been able to consistently produce excess revenues to support the Alpha-1 community,” explained Barrett.

AlphaNet serves more than 6,000 patients in the United States and Canada with 56 Patient Service Coordinators located in 32 states and two provinces. Over 85 percent of AlphaNet’s employees are Alphas.

A wide range of customized patient care, education and integrated support services have been developed for Alpha-1 patients and the medical professionals who treat them. Programs include a comprehensive disease management program that has been documented to improve the quality of life for those affected by Alpha-1. AlphaNet also initiates research and supports pharmaceutical-sponsored clinical trials for treatment of Alpha-1.

A majority of the members of the AlphaNet Board of Directors are Alphas. Board members are geographically dispersed throughout the United States and include: Robert C. Barrett - Florida, Bonnie J. Chakravorty, MSW, PhD - Tennessee, Charles W. Frost - Virginia, Robert L. Greene, Jr. - Michigan, Miekeleen D. Hart - Ohio, Ab Rees - Missouri, Robert A. Sandhaus, MD, PhD - Colorado, and Grant M. Wood - Utah.

For more information, visit AlphaNet at http://www.alphanet.org/.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1) is one of the most common serious genetic disorders worldwide and is a leading reason for lung transplantation in adults and liver transplantation among young children. More than 120,000 Americans have the disorder, yet less than 10 percent have been accurately diagnosed.Researchers estimate 20 million Americans are undetected carriers of the Alpha-1 gene and may be at risk.