Eisai Announces Sponsorship of CURE Benefit to Support Epilepsy Research and Awareness

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., June 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Eisai Inc. announced today its platinum level sponsorship of the Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE) 15^th Annual Chicago Benefit taking place Thursday, June 13, at Navy Pier, Chicago, IL.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120413/MM87168LOGO )

CURE is a nonprofit organization focused on finding a cure for epilepsy by raising research funds and increasing epilepsy awareness. The organization was founded by Susan Axelrod, wife of David Axelrod, former senior advisor to President Obama, whose daughter has epilepsy. Eisai, a company devoted to human health care, has made epilepsy a therapeutic area of focus and is committed to finding innovative solutions to satisfy unmet medical needs.

"CURE and Eisai have a common objective – to improve the lives of those affected by epilepsy," said Christine Verini, vice president, Corporate Communications & Advocacy at Eisai Inc. "We are proud to support CURE's rigorous work to fund initiatives and research that may have a life-changing impact on those people."

The event will recognize the Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton, who, as First Lady, was the driving force behind the first-ever National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Conference on Curing Epilepsy in 2000. Last year, CURE's Chicago Benefit raised more than $1 million for epilepsy research, and the organization hopes to exceed that amount this year.

"CURE's mission is not only driven by the pressing need for scientific research and data, but by the painful struggle of families who suffer from epilepsy worldwide," said Susan Axelrod, founding chair. "We appreciate Eisai's commitment to these families and their support of crucial research that can make meaningful improvements in the lives of millions."

Epilepsy is a medical condition that produces seizures affecting a variety of mental and physical functions. According to the Institute of Medicine, epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders, affecting 2.2 million people in the United States.

For more information about CURE, please visit http://www.cureepilepsy.org/.

Eisai Inc.

At Eisai Inc., human health care is our goal. We give our first thoughts to patients and their families, and helping to increase the benefits health care provides. As the U.S. pharmaceutical subsidiary of Tokyo-based Eisai Co., Ltd., our passionate commitment to patient care is the driving force behind our efforts to help address unmet medical needs.  We are a fully integrated pharmaceutical business with discovery, clinical, manufacturing and marketing capabilities. Our key areas of commercial focus include oncology and specialty care (Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy and metabolic disorders). To learn more about Eisai Inc., please visit us at www.eisai.com/US. 

Eisai Inc. has affiliates that are part of a global product creation organization that includes R&D facilities in Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina and Pennsylvania, as well as a global demand chain organization that includes manufacturing facilities in Maryland and North Carolina. Eisai's global areas of R&D focus include neuroscience; oncology; metabolic disorders; vascular, inflammatory and immunological reaction; and antibody-based programs.

SOURCE Eisai Inc.