Grifols Launches AlphaID At Home, Enabling U.S. Consumers to Self-Screen for Genetic COPD

• Now available in the U.S., this free, innovative genetic health risk service lets consumers screen for their risk of alpha₁-antitrypsin deficiency (alpha-1) through a small saliva sample they can collect right at home without needing to visit a healthcare professional
  
• Alpha-1 is the most common genetic risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of respiratory diseases affecting around 16 million Americans and the fourth-leading cause of death in the U.S.¹
  
• As the leader in alpha-1 screening, Grifols wants to reach the more than 90% of people with alpha-1 believed to be undiagnosed²
  

BARCELONA, Spain, May 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Grifols (MCE:GRF, MCE:GRF.P, NASDAQ:GRFS), a global leader in plasma-derived medicines and innovative diagnostic solutions, today announced it has launched its AlphaID At Home Genetic Health Risk Service (AlphaID At Home), the first-ever free direct-to-consumer program in the U.S., to screen for the genetic risk of alpha₁-antitrypsin deficiency (alpha-1).

Alpha-1, also known as genetic COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), is estimated to impact 1 in every 2,500 Americans.³ With AlphaID At Home people can collect a small saliva sample without needing to visit a healthcare professional to learn their risk of developing lung and/or liver disease linked to alpha-1.

Genetic COPD develops due to a genetic deficiency of alpha₁ antitrypsin, a protective plasma protein that safeguards the lungs from inflammation caused by infection and inhaled irritants such as tobacco smoke. Many COPD patients don’t realize their condition could have a genetic component, even though medical guidelines and the COPD Foundation suggest they get screened to learn their genetic risk for alpha-1.

“Given the fact that it can take several years until a patient with alpha-1 is properly diagnosed, AlphaID At Home can indicate someone’s risk for alpha-1 in a matter of weeks,” said Antonio Martínez, President of Grifols Diagnostic. “It’s a patient-friendly way to make a sophisticated genetic test simple and understandable.”

Pia D’Urbano, President of Grifols Biopharma, added: “Our hope is that through AlphaID At Home we can increase awareness about alpha-1 and accelerate diagnosis through the ease of at-home testing. This important screening service further strengthens Grifols' firm commitment to the alpha-1 community.”

“We wholeheartedly support initiatives and innovations that contribute to the diagnosis of alpha-1. As leaders in alpha-1 testing, Grifols is doubling down on its commitment to the alpha-1 community by making it easier and more efficient to get diagnosed,” said Scott Santarella, President & CEO of the Alpha-1 Foundation. “This is incredible news for our community and will help patients go on to lead healthier lives.”