It was announced on December 26, 2012, that the Epilepsy Foundation (EF) and the Epilepsy Therapy Project (ETP) have merged in order to create a unified source for epilepsy support that will benefit all Americans and their families who are currently coping with the disease.

The goal of this merger is for the companies to help find a way to stop seizures. It is also hoped that they will better be able to find a cure for the condition and raise awareness about it as well. This merger was a strategic one that has provided both companies with an avalanche of support from healthcare leaders and major advocates for epilepsy research.

“The epilepsy community has an obligation and now an opportunity to step forward with a strong unified voice to bring greater resources to bear at the national and, at the local level, to improve the lives of people with epilepsy,” said Warren Lammert, chairman and co-founder of the Epilepsy Therapy Project.

The merger is expected to change the face of epilepsy research and support an overall agenda that includes education, advocacy, awareness, local services and supporting research and help find better treatments in the fastest way possible.

“Across all diseases and life-threatening conditions, patient-focused organizations — and patients themselves — are leading the way toward better treatments,” said Michael Milken, chairman of FasterCures. “The merged resources of the Epilepsy Therapy Project and the Epilepsy Foundation will give individuals living with the condition — and their families — an even stronger advocate and partner working to accelerate research and discovery.”

Finding an earlier detection method for epilepsy has long been on the list of researchers looking to find a cure for epilepsy. It is currently believed that in detecting epilepsy early, doctors will better be able to find treatments that work in preventing seizures, and possibly curing the condition altogether. The condition is often treated with prescription medications, which include anti-seizure drugs like Topamax, which is linked to babies being born with birth defects, including PPHN, oral clefts, spina bifida and neural tube defects when the mothers take the pills while pregnant.

If your baby has suffered from birth defects after being exposed to Topamax in-utero, contact attorney Greg Jones today for a free consultation. I am experienced at fighting Topamax lawsuits and may be able to help you recover money for your child’s injury.