 Emphysema is a common type of lung disease in patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency AATD. Emphysema refers to destruction of the fine network of air spaces and blood vessels in the lung, and results in what looks like holes in the lung. Emphysema is associated with an increased risk of death but currently no medications, except for replacement of alpha-1 antitrypsin AAT, have been shown to treat emphysema. 