Epilepsy Therapy Project's 2012 Pipeline Conference to Showcase Innovation and Advancements in the Treatment of Epilepsy

Conference Unites Innovators, Clinicians, Industry, Investors and Epilepsy Community in San Francisco on February 2-4, 2012

Early Registration Now Open

WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Epilepsy Therapy Project (ETP), a non-profit organization whose mission is to accelerate new therapies for people living with epilepsy and seizures and the parent organization of epilepsy.com, announced today that the 3rd Biennial Epilepsy Pipeline Update Conference 2012 will showcase the most promising epilepsy therapies from emerging and mature healthcare companies dedicated to pioneering and advancing drugs, biologics, technologies and devices for epilepsy.  This year's conference has been expanded to three days to include a day for people with epilepsy, family and advocates focused on the importance and challenges of developing new therapies for epilepsy and seizures, and to debut the Epilepsy Therapy Project's national "Shark Tank" competition.  The Epilepsy Pipeline Update Conference 2012 will be held on February 2-4, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco.

The new "Shark Tank" competition is designed to spur entrepreneurs, scientists, clinicians, industrial design engineers and the epilepsy community to submit proposals for inventive product concepts, therapeutics or technologies with the promise of improving treatment and/or quality-of-life for people living with epilepsy.  The winner of the Shark Tank competition will receive national recognition and a cash prize to fund the development of their novel idea.  Additional details on how to enter the contest will be announced shortly.  

"The Epilepsy Pipeline Update Conference is recognized as the premier showcase and business forum driving innovation in the field of epilepsy and neurology," said Warren Lammert, ETP Founder and Chairman. "By uniting industry, investigators, investors and foundations, this conference has become a major catalyst in accelerating epilepsy drug and device development.  This year, we have expanded the forum to include people with epilepsy, families and advocates with a stake and an active voice in the advancement of new treatment options and care in their lifetimes."

The conference brings together companies and scientific entrepreneurs at the cutting-edge of epilepsy and CNS pipeline advancement to present their strategies, product candidates and development programs to leading clinicians, angel, venture capital and industry investors and prospective corporate partners.  Each presenting company is hand-selected by the Scientific and Business Advisory Boards of the Epilepsy Therapy Project.  Companies interested in presenting can contact [email protected].

"As a clinician focused in the field of epilepsy clinical research and patient care, I look forward to presentations on the latest innovations and new and improved therapies with near-term promise to benefit the epilepsy community," said Jacqueline French, MD, Professor in the Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, New York University and Vice President of Research for the Epilepsy Therapy Project.  "Epilepsy affects as many people as breast cancer or Alzheimer's disease, and there is an urgent need for and significant patient population seeking new treatment options."  

Pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry executives, venture investors and members of the Wall Street community, in addition to scientists, technology transfer executives and members of the epilepsy community interested in learning about the most promising epilepsy and CNS therapies in the development pipeline, are invited to attend this comprehensive forum.

To register for the Epilepsy Pipeline Update Conference 2012 or obtain additional program information, please visit http://www.epilepsy.com/etp/pipeline2012.  Please note that early bird registration fees are available until November 30, 2011.

About the Epilepsy Therapy Project
The Epilepsy Therapy Project is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization whose mission is to accelerate ideas into therapies for people living with epilepsy and seizures.  Founded in 2002 by a group of parents, distinguished physicians, and researchers, the Epilepsy Therapy Project supports the commercialization of new therapies through direct grants and investments in promising academic and commercial projects.  For more information about epilepsy, epilepsy treatment and the epilepsy pipeline, please visit our website, www.epilepsy.com or call 540.687.8077.  

SOURCE Epilepsy Therapy Project