Overview

What is Amyloidosis?

Amyloidosis is a relatively rare disease in which an amyloid protein builds up in the body and is deposited in tissues where it isn’t supposed to be. The amyloid protein, depending upon the type, is produced in the bone marrow or by the liver and can distribute within different organs, tissues and nerves. As the amount of amyloid protein increases and is deposited in these areas, health problems and organ damage may occur.

The term, amyloidosis, represents multiple types of a disease. Amyloidosis can be challenging to treat and is rarely cured. Treatment options, including innovative drug therapies, are available to help manage symptoms and restrain the body’s production of the amyloid protein. In certain cases, bone marrow and/or organ transplantation can be used to control or cure the disease.