Clinician Scientists Arturo Olivares-Rivera (basic research) and Dr. Philipp Höger (clinical research) from the Thorax Clinic Heidelberg were awarded the research prizes of €15,000 each by the Alpha Center Germany for their outstanding research proposals on Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AAT) and improving clinical treatment options.
As members of the research group led by DZL scientist Prof. Franziska Trudzinski, they are researching new treatment methods for this genetically inherited condition, which increases the risk of lung diseases as one ages. When AAT is not adequately produced by the body, it leads to increased activity of an enzyme that facilitates tissue destruction, particularly due to the influence of cigarette smoke and other pollutants. This increases the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis (dilation of the bronchi).
Arturo Olivares-Rivera's project focuses on the clinical and molecular characterization of patients with severe Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. Dr. Philipp Höger will conduct a pilot study to compare visual assessment with fully automated assessment of bronchiectasis in patients with AAT deficiency.
