Excellence in Epilepsy Journalism Award

International Bureau for Epilepsy and UCB Launch the 2010 Journalism Award to Recognise Outstanding Reporting on Epilepsy

BRUSSELS, April 27, 2010 - The International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), in collaboration with UCB
today launched the 2010 Excellence in Epilepsy Journalism Award.

The award was held for the first time in 2009, attracting 35 high quality
entries from 17 countries around the world. It is part of a global initiative
to increase awareness and understanding of epilepsy, a condition which
affects more than 50 million people but still remains widely
misunderstood.(1)

"The IBE's mission is to improve the social condition and quality of life
of all people with epilepsy and those who care for them," commented Mike
Glynn, President of the IBE. "The 2009 entries addressed many important
topics, including the lack of understanding of epilepsy among the general
public and the common challenges faced by members of the community when
trying to access appropriate medical care. We believe that high quality and
thought provoking journalism like this will help to improve understanding of
epilepsy and the needs of people with epilepsy."

The award is open to journalists around the world who can either submit
their own work or be nominated by a third party. There are three categories -
for print, online and broadcast media - which will be judged by an
independent panel comprising media experts and people with experience of
epilepsy. The panel's remit is to reward responsible, informed, original and
stimulating news or feature articles on epilepsy.

Entries should have been published or broadcast between 30th June 2009
and 29th October 2010, the closing date for this year's award. Winners will
receive travel vouchers and are encouraged to use their prize to defray
travel costs related to further journalistic research and publications about
epilepsy.

"UCB has an ongoing commitment to improving education, awareness and
understanding about epilepsy," remarked Lode Dewulf, Chief Medical Affairs
Officer, UCB. "The media has the power to reach millions of people around the
world and can play an important role in reducing the fear and stigma that
still surrounds epilepsy. We are therefore pleased to continue working with
the IBE on the Excellence in Epilepsy Journalism Award that recognises the
very best reporting on this important subject."

To enter: To find out more information or to download an entry or
nomination form please visit:
www.ibe-epilepsy.org/activities/excellence-in-journalism-award.
Certain local restrictions may apply regarding this award and the award is
only available where not prohibited or restricted by local laws and
regulations.

Entries for the 2010 Excellence in Epilepsy Journalism Award will be
assessed on the following criteria:

    - Helps to raise awareness and understanding of epilepsy
    - Gives a voice to people with epilepsy
    - Is conceptually or visually innovative or creative
    - Is well structured, well researched and compelling
    - Uses language responsibly when reporting or writing on epilepsy

    2009 awards: winning, highly commended and special mention entries

    Winners:

    - Print/online: Aliyah Baruchin, Epilepsy in the African-American
      Community: Access Education and Advocacy, published in Epilepsy USA,
      Issue 4, 2008

    - Broadcast: Miguel Angel Tobias, Hora de Salud: Epilepsia (Health Hour:
      Epilepsy), Canal 9 TV, Spain

    Highly commended:

    - Print/online: Julia Medew, Art Helps Lift the Veil on Epilepsy,
      published in The Age newspaper, Australia

    - Broadcast: Floriane Closuit, Par Surprise(s) (By Surprise), Switzerland

    Special mention:

    - Majlinda Aliu (broadcast) The Treatment of Epilepsy in Kosovo

About epilepsy(1,2)

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder affecting more than 50
million people worldwide. It is caused by abnormal, excessive electrical
discharges of the nerve cells or neurons in the brain. Epilepsy is
characterised by a tendency to have recurrent seizures. There are many
different seizure types and epileptic syndromes and effective classification
guides treatment and prognosis.

About the IBE

Founded almost 50 years ago, the IBE is an organisation of laypersons and
professionals interested in the medical and non-medical aspects of epilepsy.
The IBE addresses such social problems as education, employment, insurance,
driving licence restrictions and public awareness, and supports its members
through a range of innovative and important initiatives aimed at improving
the quality of life of people with epilepsy and their families.
www.ibe-epilepsy.org/aboutus

About UCB

UCB, Brussels, Belgium is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the
research, development and commercialisation of innovative medicines with a
focus on the fields of central nervous system and immunology disorders.

Forward looking statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current
plans, estimates and beliefs of management. Such statements are subject to
risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially
different from those that may be implied by such forward-looking statements
contained in this press release. Important factors that could result in such
differences include: changes in general economic, business and competitive
conditions, effects of future judicial decisions, changes in regulation,
exchange rate fluctuations and hiring and retention of its employees.

References

(1) www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs999/en/

[accessed 24th March 2010]

(2) Epilepsy Foundation. Epilepsy and Seizure Statistics.
www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/

[accessed 24th March 2010]

Further information: Ann Little, Executive Director, IBE, T +353-1-210-8850, ibedublin at eircom.net, Eimear O'Brien, Associate Director, Global CNS Communications, UCB, T +32-2-559-9271, Eimear.OBrien at ucb.com