EVF: Challenges and Opportunities

The Epilepsy Ventures Fund was created to tackle the challenges facing the epilepsy community today by leveraging the unique opportunities happening now through an explosion of innovation in the brain and health care space.

The Challenge

Epilepsy can affect any one of us. According to the World Health Organization, epilepsy is the most common serious brain disorder worldwide with no age, racial, social class, national or geographic boundaries.

Epilepsies affect more than 3.4 million people in the United States, and 65 million people worldwide.
1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy during their lifetime.
This year, nearly 200,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with epilepsy.
4 out of 10 people with epilepsy continue to experience uncontrolled seizures, despite all available treatments, while many more experience less than optimal seizure control.

Nearly half a million children in the US currently live with epilepsy. In addition to the toll the disease takes on children, they often experience social impacts including isolation and loss of self-esteem.

People who have seizures are at greater risk for a number of serious complications, which is why preventing seizures is so important. The most life-threatening complications are injuries, suicide, and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).

The Opportunity

While surgery may eliminate seizures in some people, there are currently no ‘cures’ for the epilepsies, so managing seizures through medication has long been the primary treatment protocol. Until now we have only had access to anti-seizure medicines that need to be taken daily and do not alter the course of the disease.

The evolution of technology and innovation in healthcare is creating new options for controlling, mitigating, and even predicting seizures. We have the opportunity to dramatically change the epilepsy treatment landscape.

We will harness our extensive expertise, pipeline perspective, unique brain trust and broad reach to continue to drive innovation with the ultimate goal of bringing urgently needed therapies and devices to market in a timeframe that matters.

The Epilepsy Foundation is in a unique position to recognize, evaluate, and support high potential projects. Our extensive expertise, unique brain trust, and pipeline perspective brings added validation to the projects we choose to invest in. Our engagement with the epilepsy community and collaboration with partners gives us evidence-based insights into the critical needs among this population.

The new Epilepsy Ventures Fund will finance cutting-edge epilepsy treatments to accelerate commercialization through capital investment and a shared commitment to improve the lives of people living with the epilepsies.

Learn More:

Donate to Epilepsy Ventures Fund

Resources

Epilepsy Centers

Epilepsy centers provide you with a team of specialists to help you diagnose your epilepsy and explore treatment options.

Epilepsy Medication

Find in-depth information on anti-seizure medications so you know what to ask your doctor.

Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline

Call our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline and talk with an epilepsy information specialist or submit a question online.

Tools & Forms

Download our seizure tracking app, print out seizure action plans, or explore other educational materials.