COMPANY OVERVIEW
NeuroVista Corporation is a medical device company pioneering new technologies for the management and treatment of epilepsy, a condition that affects roughly 3 million people in the United States. The defining characteristic of epilepsy is recurrent seizures that strike without warning. Symptoms may range from brief suspension of awareness, to loss of consciousness, to violent convulsions. Unlike other neurological conditions, such as stroke or Alzheimer’s disease which tend to develop later in life, epilepsy often affects people in the prime of their lives, with the majority between 15 and 64 years of age.
Despite advancements in antiepileptic medications, an estimated 25% of people with epilepsy continue to experience seizures even when under the best medical care. Yet while the symptoms of epilepsy are typically infrequent and of short duration, the constant fear and uncertainty as to when the next seizure is going to strike often exacts a tremendous toll on quality of life. People with uncontrolled seizures cannot drive automobiles or participate in many recreational activities. Activities of daily living such as bathing or cooking become dangerous. Fear of social embarrassment often leads to isolation and limits vocational opportunities.
Clearly there is a need for a solution that reduces the chronic uncertainty and fear surrounding uncontrolled seizures. NeuroVista is engaged in developing innovative advisory technologies to help mitigate the uncertainty of when epileptic seizures may strike, which would significantly impact the quality of life of people living with epilepsy and dramatically shift the treatment paradigm.
NeuroVista is led by an experienced management team in close collaboration with nationally recognized clinical thought-leaders and investigators. The Company is emerging as a leading innovator in the rapidly growing field of implantable neurotechnology with a large portfolio of issued patents and pending patent applications. NeuroVista closed a Series B financing in May 2007 and is funded by a top-tier group of venture investors including Advanced Technology Ventures, Delphi Ventures, Foundation Medical Partners, Sprout Group and Three Arch Partners. NeuroVista is headquartered in downtown Seattle, Washington and employs over 35 scientists, researchers and engineers.
EPILEPSY QUICK FACTS
- An estimated 3 million people in the United States have epilepsy - more than Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and Lou Gehrig's disease combined.1
- Epilepsy can develop in any person at any age, but it often affects people throughout the prime of their lives, with the majority between 15 and 64 years of age.1
- 10% of the U.S. population will experience a seizure in their lifetime.1
- The defining characteristic of epilepsy is recurrent seizures that strike without warning.3
- Epilepsy may be related to a brain injury or an inherited genetic disorder often appearing in childhood, but approximately 70% of the time the cause is unknown.4
- Of those whose epilepsy is well controlled by medication, they must often cope with significant and debilitating side effects.1
- About 25% of people with epilepsy will continue to have seizures despite the best medical treatment.4
- The uncertainty of when the next seizure is going to strike is one of the most debilitating aspects of epilepsy.4
- A long-lasting convulsive seizure (called "tonic-clonic status epilepticus") is a medical emergency. If not stopped within about 30 minutes, it may cause permanent injury or death.1
- The annual direct and indirect cost attributable to epilepsy in the United States is estimated to be $12.5 billion, and 80% of this is accounted for by patients whose seizures are not adequately controlled by antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).1
- Epilepsy is perfectly compatible with a normal, happy, and full life.6
- The Epilepsy Foundation Website: http://www.efa.org
- Quality of Life in Epilepsy: Beyond Seizure Count in Assessment and Treatment.
- Epilepsy a Practical Guide
- Epilepsy and Quality of Life
- Trileptal website: http://www.trileptal.com
- A person living with epilepsy