FACES Joins Epilepsy Research Foundation to Advance Novel Therapies and Devices for Seizures; New Strategic Partnership to Support Translational Research Initiatives in Epilepsy.

RESTON, Va., LANDOVER, Md. & NEW YORK -- The Epilepsy Project and the Epilepsy Foundation, non-profit organizations dedicated to advancing innovative new therapies for people afflicted with epilepsy, today announced that a third leading epilepsy organization, Finding A Cure for Epilepsy and Seizures (FACES) joins them as partner in The Epilepsy Research Foundation.

The partnership between the three organizations is the first of its kind in the epilepsy community. The joint venture -- the Epilepsy Research Foundation -- focuses strictly on the field of translational epilepsy research and provides resources to accelerate the progress of breakthrough research and new therapies "from the bench to the bedside."

"The alliance between FACES and the Epilepsy Research Foundation represents the dedication we all share toward advancing the treatment of epilepsy at an accelerated pace. The projects the Epilepsy Research Foundation has funded to-date are some of the most innovative and cutting-edge studies in the field of epilepsy research, and FACES is excited about joining this collaboration," said Orrin Devinsky, M.D., Director of the NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center.

"We are gratified by this opportunity to partner with FACES. Together, our mutual commitment to fund projects through the Epilepsy Research Foundation's New Therapy Grants Program brings us that much closer to providing successful treatment options for those living with epilepsy," said May Liang, President of The Epilepsy Project.

The primary focus of the New Therapy Grants Program is to bring new approaches and therapies to patients through translational research. With promising new discoveries over the last few years and a greater understanding of epilepsy and seizure development, FACES, The Epilepsy Project and the Epilepsy Foundation, aim to drive the process of turning science into marketable therapies for the benefit of the nation's 2.7 million people with epilepsy.

"We have never been so close to developing a cure for epilepsy," stated Eric R. Hargis, President and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation. "The Epilepsy Research Foundation provides the opportunity for scientists to build on recent progress in this field, and we are pleased, along with The Epilepsy Project and FACES to facilitate meaningful grants to speed their progress."

In a related development, The Epilepsy Research Foundation announced today a new million-dollar fundraising challenge to finance the New Therapy Grants Program. The effort, which will leverage support for cutting-edge translational research in academic and commercial centers, is the second match challenge offered by Warren Lammert, Chairman of The Epilepsy Project and Board Member of the Epilepsy Foundation, and family on behalf of the Epilepsy Research Foundation. Building on the recent successful completion of the first-round million-dollar match goal established in May, 2004, the Lammert Family has offered a second million-dollar match which the Epilepsy Research Foundation seeks to leverage with a $2 million dollar challenge to the community.

Today, the Epilepsy Research Foundation also announced the three most recent New Therapy Grant recipients, each of whom are pioneering radical new treatments for managing epileptic seizures including: a revolutionary antiepileptic drug-delivery system via injection using nanoparticles designed to target specific epileptic regions in the brain; a new therapeutic agent offering promise for the treatment of neonatal seizures; and a new method of seizure predicting and controlling seizures through electrical stimulation.

About The Epilepsy Research Foundation

The Epilepsy Research Foundation was formed as a joint venture between the Epilepsy Project and the Epilepsy Foundation to fund new, innovative translational research to speed the search for a cure for epilepsy. Pledges to support the Epilepsy Research Foundation can be extended over a period of up to five years. All money raised will directly fund research programs aimed at discovering a cure for epilepsy and seizures. For further information, or to contribute, please visit www.epilepsyproject.org, www.epilepsyfoundation.org, or contact the Epilepsy Research Foundation at [phone].

About the Epilepsy Foundation

The Epilepsy Foundation, a national non-profit with affiliated organizations throughout the United States, has led the fight against epilepsy since 1968. The Foundation's goals are to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; and to prevent, control and cure epilepsy through research, education, advocacy and services. For additional information, please visit www.epilepsyfoundation.org.

About The Epilepsy Project

The Epilepsy Project is a non-profit organization whose mission is to advance new therapies for people living with epilepsy. Founded in 2002 by a group of parents, distinguished physicians and researchers, The Epilepsy Project's mission is to advance new therapies for people living with epilepsy. The organization supports the commercialization of new therapies through direct grants and investments in promising academic and commercial projects. Since its founding, The Epilepsy Project has raised over five million dollars towards its mission. For further information, please visit www.epilepsyproject.org.

About FACES

FACES is a non-profit organization affiliated with the NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center. Founded in 1996 by Orrin Devinsky, M.D., Director of the NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, FACES' mission is to improve the quality of life for all people affected by epilepsy through research, education and awareness, and community-building events. For further information, please visit www.nyufaces.org.