The Mark Egly Foundation (MEF) is leading the charge in identifying previously undiscovered therapeutic applications for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT). Our groundbreaking research extends to numerous conditions including: We now consider Alzheimer's as an autoimmune disease.
Our mission begins with education—informing both physicians and patients about the profound impact of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) and the remarkable therapeutic potential of the AAT protein itself. This protein can either protect overall health or, when deficient, contribute to widespread tissue destruction and severe adverse health effects in humans and all mammals.
Our impact is already significant. Medical professionals who have reviewed Mark's patent document are discovering new ways to help their patients daily. Many physicians are now revisiting previous patient records, identifying individuals who may benefit from AATD screening and treatment—finding answers that were previously elusive.
For decades, medical professionals have been asked: "What causes the body to attack itself in autoimmune diseases?"
The answer has always been: "We don't know."
Mark's discoveries have changed that.
Through extensive research, Mark has identified that excess and uncontrolled Neutrophil Elastase — a protease that literally devours tissue—is a major contributing factor in the 152 autoimmune diseases he has documented. Without sufficient levels of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (a natural protease inhibitor), the body faces significant risk from excess neutrophils attacking healthy tissue.
This discovery fundamentally changes how we understand and can potentially treat autoimmune diseases.
Our research reveals that Alpha-1 Antitrypsin has significant therapeutic applications even for individuals who don't have AATD. Throughout a person's lifetime, there are multiple scenarios where AAT supplementation could provide profound health benefits.
Consider this age-old medical mystery: Why does the non-smoking spouse of a smoker sometimes develop lung cancer while the smoker does not?
The answer lies in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin.
Smoke and environmental pollutants destroy the body's naturally produced AAT. When Alpha-1 Antitrypsin is unavailable at sufficient circulating levels, the entire body—especially the lungs—becomes vulnerable to invading Neutrophil Elastase. This explains why some non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke develop cancer while the smokers themselves may not.
The Mark Egly Foundation is committed to making significant contributions to the health and welfare of society. In our relatively short history, we have already brought groundbreaking science directly to the medical community. With collaborative support, we envision the medical community accelerating the adoption of our discoveries at unprecedented speed.
Our Uniting Doctors initiative has started in 2018 and has just begun to accelerate our efforts, and its potential is enormous. We believe in collaboration—working together with the world's leading medical professionals and institutions to transform patient care every single day.
This benefits everyone: patients, families, healthcare providers, and society as a whole.
Together, we can change the trajectory of countless lives through early detection, proper treatment, and continued innovation in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin research and therapy.