AlphaNet Program Boosts AATD Therapy Adherence Rates

A structured disease management program significantly improves patient consistency in AATD augmentation therapy treatment.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Asthma

Flat opaque gouache-painted illustration of seven glass vials in a line connected by a single thread, representing medical adherence. — AlphaNet's disease management program has successfully boosted patient adherence rates to AATD augmentation therapy to over 90 percent nationwide. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

When prescribed long-term weekly treatments, do you find it easy to consistently maintain your therapy schedule?

AlphaNet has implemented a new disease management program that has successfully increased patient prescription conversion and adherence rates to over 90 percent. This initiative addresses historical challenges where many patients struggled to maintain consistent treatment schedules.

Why it matters

Patients often face significant delays in accepting weekly infusions following their initial prescription, leading to suboptimal long-term health outcomes. This program provides necessary structure to ensure patients remain consistent with their therapy regimens despite the logistical challenges of treatment.

The program defines high adherence as receiving at least 50 of 52 annual infusions, while a full weekly dose maintains normal patient levels for only 3 days. Data shows that fewer than 60 percent of patients previously received their first infusion after prescription.

The players

AlphaNet

AlphaNet is a healthcare organization that provides comprehensive disease management and support services for patients with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.

The details

The disease management program monitors patients through a series of frequent early telephone calls followed by monthly check-ins to ensure ongoing consistency. By explicitly setting expectations that patients will not feel immediate relief, the program encourages long-term commitment to the weekly infusion schedule.

2020-2022 saw a decline in plasma donation levels during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The first year of therapy serves as the period for evaluating adherence based on receiving 50 of 52 infusions.

Health Landscape

This initiative follows established Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency treatment protocols by addressing the acute phase reactant nature of the deficiency through consistent therapy. It marks a departure from traditional self-managed care by introducing structured, sustained communication to bridge gaps in patient adherence.

Patients participating in the program should expect frequent proactive telephone check-ins from care managers to support their infusion schedule. This structured approach helps manage the transition to regular therapy by resetting expectations about how quickly patients will feel physical relief.

The takeaway

Consistent adherence to weekly infusion therapy is essential for maintaining health in AATD patients because the treatment effect typically lasts for only three days. Proactive communication and realistic expectations are key tools for patients to overcome common delays in starting and maintaining their prescribed infusions.