The expand Podcast:
Season 5: AATD
Welcome to Season 5 of The Expand Podcast, where we dive into the world of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD).
Join us as leading experts and advocates explore this underdiagnosed genetic condition—from early diagnosis and treatment to patient advocacy, equity, and access to care.
Available in your favorite platform:
Inside Season 5
Season 5 explores Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency through six impactful episodes that cover everything from early testing and augmentation therapy to patient advocacy and access to care in Canada. Whether you’re a healthcare professional or someone living with AATD, this season is for you.
Get ready for stories, strategies, and expert advice that inform and inspire.
Episode 1 – Breaking Down AATD: The Journey of Patient Advocacy in Lung Health (with Angela Diano)
In the first episode of Season 5, we explore what AATD is, why it often goes undiagnosed, and how patient advocacy is leading the way forward. Our guest, Angela Diano, Executive Director of AlphaNet Canada, shares how lived experience and national leadership come together to push for testing, treatment, and better support across the country.
You’ll learn about:
- What AATD is and how it affects the lungs
- The role of advocacy in expanding access to therapy
- The importance of early diagnosis through simple blood tests
- What the new Canadian guidelines mean for patients
- How we can reduce stigma and improve awareness of lung disease
Episode 2 – Navigating Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: A Patient’s Journey (with Lee-Andrew Wismach)
In this powerful second episode, we sit down with Lee-Andrew Wismach, who was diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and emphysema. Interviewed by Dr. Jean Bourbeau, Mr. Wismach shares his firsthand experience: how he went from ignoring early symptoms to receiving a life-changing diagnosis, navigating a complex healthcare system, and ultimately advocating for his own care.
You’ll learn about:
- What it’s like to live with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) and emphysema
- How early symptoms can be overlooked and why they matter
- The barriers patients face in accessing life-saving treatment
- The role of rehabilitation in building endurance and regaining quality of life
- Why advocacy and self-awareness are critical in chronic disease management
Episode 3 – COPD and Alpha-1: A Patient’s Journey (with Nathalie Roussin)
In this touching and inspiring episode, we hear from Nathalie Roussin, who shares her experience with COPD and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. She talks about the onset of her disease, the challenges of diagnosis, and how she learned to live life to the fullest with a chronic illness.
In addition to her personal journey, Nathalie discusses the importance of pulmonary rehabilitation, social support, and professional adjustments in maintaining her quality of life. Through her story, she reminds us that behind every diagnosis is a person with dreams, commitments, and remarkable strength.
You’ll learn about:
- The role of early diagnosis in COPD management
- The concrete benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation
- The importance of emotional and social support
- How to live actively despite a chronic illness
- Nathalie’s tips for better communication and engagement in your health
Episode 4 – Understanding Patient Support Programs in Alpha-1 (with Shanta Zurock)
In this episode, Dr. Jean Bourbeau sits down with Shanta Zurock to discuss how complex therapies like biologic infusions are managed in the real world, particularly for individuals living with AATD and COPD. Ms. Zurock, who works at Innomar Strategies, sheds light on the behind-the-scenes efforts required to help patients access care, stay adherent to treatment, and feel supported throughout their health journey.
You’ll learn about:
- Why biologic treatments require coordinated support
- How infusion therapy is delivered to patients
- What services organizations like Innomar provide
- The challenges of reimbursement and healthcare access
- How advocacy and collaboration improve patient experiences
Episode 5 – Genetics and Lung Health: Understanding Alpha-1 Deficiency (with Dr. Kenneth Chapman)
In this episode, Dr. Ken Chapman joins Dr. Jean Bourbeau to discuss the complexities of respiratory diseases: with a strong focus on alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), COPD, and asthma. Together, they address the importance of early diagnosis, patient education, and comprehensive management of lung conditions, with a spotlight on the recent access improvements to augmentation therapy in Canada and the clinical evidence from the RAPID Trial.
You’ll learn about:
- Why spirometry and genetic screening are essential for proper diagnosis
- How alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency affects lung and liver health
- The evolving access to augmentation therapy in Canada
- What the RAPID Trial taught us about early intervention
- The importance of education, advocacy, and long-term patient monitoring
- The exciting research and future directions for treating AATD
Episode 6 – Plasma: The Hidden Medicine That Saves Lives (with Anita Brickman)
In this episode, we speak with Anita Brickman, CEO of the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA), about the crucial and often misunderstood role of plasma-derived therapies in respiratory health. The discussion highlights how essential plasma donors are for the creation of life-saving medicines used to treat Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) and other rare, chronic conditions. Together, we explore the rigorous global safety standards, the difference between plasma-derived therapies and traditional drugs, and the ongoing challenge of meeting the growing worldwide need for plasma donations.
You’ll learn about:
- Why plasma donation is a critical necessity and lifeline for creating essential, life-saving therapies.
- How plasma is used to create augmentation therapy to slow the progression of lung disease in AATD.
- The rigorous, multi-step safety process that ensures the quality of plasma-derived medicines, from donor screening to viral deactivation.
- The growing worldwide need for plasma, driven by better diagnosis and patients with rare disorders living longer.
- The difference between plasma-derived therapies and traditional drugs.
RESPIPLUS™ received support from Takeda Canada to develop an informative podcast series specifically tailored to AATD. This initiative aims to:
- Educate healthcare professionals about the latest advancements in AATD management
- Empower patients with accurate information on accessing resources within the Canadian system
- Foster a supportive community for individuals living with AATD
Collaborating Organizations
This podcast series was developed with the valuable collaboration of several organizations committed to improving care and awareness for individuals living with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD):
- AlphaNet Canada: Supporting patients through education, advocacy, and peer support. alphanetcanada.ca
- Innomar: An organization that specializes in helping patients access complex therapies across Canada.
- PPTA: The leading global organization advocating for plasma donation and ensuring the availability of life-saving plasma-based treatments.
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About The eXpand Podcast
The eXpand Podcast was created by Respiplus, a non-profit organization.
We develop educational programs to help those with chronic lung conditions to better understand and manage their disease.
Our programs are evidence-based and have been demonstrated to improve people’s lives in multiple clinical trials, resulting in better quality of life, reduced hospital admissions and emergency room visits.
Other Seasons of the eXpand Podcast
Unlock science-backed insights and practical knowledge from our previous seasons, each offering a unique perspective into crucial aspects of healthcare:
Meet the experts
We were honored to feature renowned experts in each episode of Season 5, uncovering industry insights on AATD.
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