Finding Answers: Linda’s Journey with AATD
(BPT) - Linda has always been someone who embraces a full life. As a working mom of two, her schedule is packed, but she prioritizes joys like swimming or playing lawn bowling games on a sunny Arizona day. For much of her adult life, however, that active lifestyle was limited by breathing difficulties that made even simple activities challenging.
After decades of managing what she believed to be asthma, Linda reached a turning point when her symptoms grew progressively worse. "I felt like I couldn't do anything without becoming out of breath," she recalls. "Just walking to the bathroom was a chore."
The Road Toward the Right Diagnosis
For years, Linda carried emergency inhalers and struggled to catch her breath during simple conversations or while working. She was prescribed several options for asthma, but none minimized her symptoms. "We have got to find something. There is something going on with me," she remembers telling her health care provider, determined to get to the bottom of what was wrong.
The turning point for Linda came when her brother was hospitalized with a respiratory infection and subsequently diagnosed with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), an inherited condition in which the body is unable to supply enough Alpha-1 antitrypsin proteins to the lungs. Without enough of these proteins, a person can be at increased risk of serious lung conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema.
"As soon as my brother was diagnosed, he called me because AATD is hereditary," Linda shares. Without hesitation, she sought testing and discovered that she, too, had the condition. "That call changed everything. If my brother had never been tested for AATD, I don't think I would have ever known about it."
Exploring Treatment Options for AATD
With her new diagnosis, Linda met with a pulmonologist specializing in AATD, who carefully explained her condition along with the available treatment options. "Knowing there were options that could help increase Alpha-1 antitrypsin protein levels in my blood and lungs made me feel hopeful," she says. After discussing options with her doctor, Linda learned about GLASSIA® [Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Human)], a medicine used to treat adults with lung disease (emphysema) caused by severe AATD.
What is GLASSIA [Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Human)]?
GLASSIA is a medicine containing human Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Alpha1-PI) that is used to treat adults with lung disease (emphysema) because of severe Alpha1-antitrypsin (Alpha1) deficiency. GLASSIA is not meant to be used as a therapy for lung disease other than severe Alpha1 deficiency. Effects of GLASSIA on worsening lung function and emphysema progression have not been proven in clinical trials. Long-term effects of Alpha1replacement and maintenance therapy have not been studied.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I need to know about GLASSIA?
- GLASSIA can cause severe allergic reactions including hives, swelling in the mouth or throat, itching, tightness in the chest, trouble breathing, wheezing, faintness or low blood pressure
- If you will be taking GLASSIA outside a healthcare setting, ask your healthcare provider (HCP) about an epinephrine pen and/or other supportive care for certain severe allergic reactions.
Please continue reading for additional Important Safety Information.
When it came to choosing a treatment, Linda wanted an option that fit into her busy life and allowed her to manage on her own schedule. GLASSIA is a once-weekly infusion that can be administered at home-either by a nurse or through self-infusion after proper training-or at an infusion center. "After discussing the benefits and risks with my doctor, we decided that GLASSIA was the right treatment for me," Linda explains.
In the beginning, a nurse visited her home each week to administer the infusion. As Linda's schedule became busier, she learned how to self-infuse GLASSIA at home. "The nurse trained me, and after a few sessions, I felt comfortable doing it myself," she says. "I love that I don't have to rely on someone else or deal with complicated scheduling issues. Now, I can fit treatment into my own routine, as prescribed by my doctor."
Living Life on Her Terms
Today, Linda manages her AATD while still going about her life. "I feel more in control of my condition," she says.
"I love to travel and experience new things," she adds. "With my AATD managed through self-infusion, I can plan my treatment around my schedule-not the other way around."
When it comes to AATD, which is often overlooked because its symptoms may closely resemble those of asthma or COPD, genetic testing is important. With Linda, it was only after her brother was diagnosed that she learned she also inherited AATD. She encourages others navigating a diagnosis to learn as much as they can about the condition and advocate for their needs, such as taking a genetic test. "I'd tell people who are newly diagnosed not to feel scared, it's going to be okay. Talk to your doctor to find a plan that works best for you."
Individual experiences with AATD may vary. Always consult your health care provider for medical advice or services.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION (Continued)
Who should not use GLASSIA?
Do not use GLASSIA if you:
- Have immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency with antibodies to IgA
- Have a severe allergic reaction to human Alpha1-PI products.
What are the possible or reasonably likely side effects of GLASSIA?
If any of the following problems occur contact your healthcare provider (HCP) or call emergency services right away:
- Worsening or flare-up of your chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Hives, swelling in the mouth or throat, itching, chest tightness, trouble breathing, wheezing, fainting or dizziness. These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction.
The most common side effects that may occur are headache and upper respiratory tract infections
Other possible side effects of GLASSIA include:
- Cough
- Sinus infection
- Chest discomfort
- Dizziness
- Increased liver enzymes
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Fatigue
These are not all the possible side effects. Tell your HCP about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
For additional safety information, click forInformation For Patients including Instructions For Use and discuss with your HCP.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visitwww.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
To learn more about GLASSIA, visithttps://www.glassialiquid.com.
This content was provided by Takeda. Linda has been compensated by Takeda for sharing her story.
©2025 Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. 500 Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA 02142. 1-877-TAKEDA-7 (1-877-825-3327). All rights reserved. Takeda and the Takeda Logo are registered trademarks of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. GLASSIA® is a registered trademark of Kamada Ltd., and used under license. US-GLA-0593v1.0 10/25
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