“Medikidz Explain LGS,” endorsed by leading advocacy groups, educates public on rare and severe form of epilepsy

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Oct. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Eisai Inc. today announced the launch of “Medikidz Explain Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS),” an educational comic book designed to inform people about LGS, a rare type of epilepsy that is usually characterized by multiple seizure types, cognitive impairment or developmental delays. The book was peer-reviewed by medical professionals and endorsed by the LGS Foundation, Child Neurology Foundation and Epilepsy Foundation.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/7954551-eisai-medikidz-epilepsy-comic-book-series-issue-5

“Medikidz Explain LGS,” the fifth installment of the “Medikidz Explain Epilepsy” comic book series, is a story about a seven-year-old boy named Jackson who lives with LGS. The story is told from the perspective of his younger sister Tenley and demonstrates how to explain LGS not only to siblings of those living with LGS, but also to others who may not understand what someone living with this condition experiences.

The new book will be launched at the LGS Foundation’s 2016 International LGS Awareness Day event, where Eisai is a sponsor.  The event will take place at the Port Discovery Children’s Museum in Baltimore on Saturday, October 29 at 6:30 PM in advance of LGS Awareness Day (November 1). The event aims to celebrate real-life superheroes: those living with LGS and their families. Jackson’s family and the Medikidz superheroes will attend the event to hand out free copies of the new Medikidz book.”We are proud supporters of this latest Medikidz comic book,” said Christina SanInocencio, Executive Director of the LGS Foundation. “Our hope is that this comic book will not only help families and caregivers affected by this condition receive information and encouragement, but that it will also help the general public gain a better understanding about a day in the life of someone living with LGS to ultimately help reduce stigma.

“In the book, Jackson experiences a seizure while watching television with his family. The Medikidz, a group of young superheroes whose mission is teaching about the body and how illness affects it, appear and explain to Tenley how LGS affects her older brother. Tenley’s experience with the Medikidz helps her better understand her brother’s condition, and how she can more effectively help care for, and play with, Jackson.

“Jackson is such a sweet, loving boy,” said Jeannie, mother of Jackson and Tenley. “By sharing our story through the Medikidz book, we hope people will gain a better understanding about his condition and how LGS affects the entire family. When Jackson was diagnosed, we did not have educational and age-appropriate materials, so we’re honored to be featured in the series to help educate others about his condition.”

“Eisai is committed to public education about the unique challenges associated with LGS,” said Tim Clark, Senior Director, Government Affairs, Policy and Corporate Advocacy, Eisai Inc. “We are pleased to unite the protagonists of this book with other families at the LGS Awareness Day event in Baltimore to bring attention to the unique challenges of this rare form of epilepsy.”

To order a free copy of “Medikidz Explain LGS” visit LivingWithLGS.com. To learn more about the LGS Foundation’s 2016 LGS Awareness Day event, visit LGSFoundation.org/LGSAware.

“Medikidz Explain Epilepsy” Comic Book Series

The “Medikidz Explain Epilepsy” series was first launched in December 2013 in order to help increase education about epilepsy. Eisai supported the development and publishing of four previous comic books in the series as further resources for families who are affected by epilepsy. The series is peer-reviewed by leading medical professionals.

About Eisai Inc.

Eisai is a fully integrated pharmaceutical business that operates in two global business groups: oncology and neurology (dementia-related diseases and neurodegenerative diseases). Each group functions as an end-to-end global business with discovery, development, and marketing capabilities. Our U.S. headquarters, commercial and clinical development organizations are located in New Jersey; our discovery labs are in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania; and our global demand chain organization resides in Maryland and North Carolina. To learn more about Eisai Inc.

For further information: Media Inquiries, Laurie Landau, Eisai Inc., 201-746-2510; Investor Inquiries, Ivor Macleod, Eisai Inc., 201-746-2660