Paramus, New Jersey, United States, October 14, 2026
SK Life Science, Inc., a U.S. pharmaceutical company and subsidiary of SK Biopharmaceuticals, has announced expanded support for Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) awareness, education and research through partnerships with CURE Epilepsy and The Cameron Boyce Foundation. The initiative coincides with #StopSUDEP Week, scheduled for October 19–23, 2026, and activities throughout October. As part of the campaign, SK Life Science will match donations to CURE Epilepsy dollar for dollar up to $10,000, helping fund research initiatives, educational resources and awareness programs for people living with epilepsy and their families. The announcement highlights the importance of improving communication about SUDEP, a serious epilepsy-related risk that remains insufficiently understood by many patients and caregivers. Through its partnerships, the company aims to encourage informed conversations with healthcare professionals and strengthen efforts to reduce preventable epilepsy-related deaths.
SK Life Science Commits Funding to SUDEP Awareness
SK Life Science’s donation-matching initiative is designed to support CURE Epilepsy’s efforts to advance scientific research and increase public understanding of SUDEP. Under the program, eligible donations to the organization will be matched up to a total of $10,000, expanding the potential funding available for research and educational activities. SUDEP refers to a sudden, unexpected death in a person with epilepsy that cannot be attributed to another known cause. Although relatively uncommon, it represents one of the most serious complications associated with epilepsy. Most cases occur during or shortly after a seizure, although the precise mechanisms are not fully understood. The campaign emphasizes the importance of epilepsy education, seizure management and open discussions about individual risk. People living with epilepsy and their caregivers are encouraged to speak with their healthcare teams about seizure control, medication adherence and other appropriate risk-reduction measures. According to SK Life Science, the initiative reflects its broader commitment to the epilepsy community beyond developing medicines. By supporting independent research and awareness organizations, the company aims to help bridge gaps between scientific knowledge, clinical practice and the information available to patients.
Research Highlights Gaps in Patient and Physician Communication
SK Life Science cited findings from its Hope, Hesitancy and Hard Truths survey, which examined communication surrounding SUDEP among patients and healthcare professionals. The survey found that nearly one in five people experiencing daily seizures reported either never having heard of SUDEP or not having heard about it from their physician. The findings also revealed a difference between physician reports and patient recollections of SUDEP discussions. While 88% of surveyed physicians reported discussing SUDEP, only 63% of patients recalled having such a conversation. These results suggest that important information may not consistently reach the people who need it. The company said the findings reinforce the need for clearer communication, accessible educational materials and opportunities for patients to ask questions about epilepsy-related risks. Healthcare professionals can help patients understand their individual circumstances and discuss suitable approaches to seizure management. CURE Epilepsy is a nonprofit organization focused on funding scientific research to understand epilepsy and advance the search for effective treatments and cures. Its research programs include efforts to identify SUDEP risk factors and improve understanding of the biological mechanisms involved. The Cameron Boyce Foundation was established in memory of actor Cameron Boyce, who died from SUDEP in 2019 at age 20. The foundation has supported epilepsy education, community programs and research aimed at preventing SUDEP. Its collaboration with CURE Epilepsy provides an opportunity to extend its awareness and research mission to a broader audience.
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#StopSUDEP Week Encourages Education and Action
During October 2026, SK Life Science, CURE Epilepsy and The Cameron Boyce Foundation are encouraging individuals, families, healthcare professionals and epilepsy advocates to participate in awareness and fundraising activities. The #StopSUDEP campaign aims to make information more accessible, encourage conversations about seizure-related risks and support scientific efforts to understand and prevent SUDEP. For people living with epilepsy, taking prescribed medication consistently, identifying personal seizure triggers, getting adequate sleep and discussing seizure-control strategies with healthcare professionals can be important elements of care. Depending on the individual’s circumstances, clinicians may also discuss nighttime monitoring and other safety measures. These steps do not eliminate SUDEP risk, making continued research and individualized medical guidance essential. SK Life Science develops treatments for central nervous system disorders and oncology, while its parent company, SK Biopharmaceuticals, continues to invest in drug discovery and development. The company’s support for SUDEP awareness complements these research activities by addressing education and community engagement. The initiative underscores how collaboration between pharmaceutical companies and nonprofit organizations can help strengthen public health education while supporting research into serious neurological conditions. Improving awareness, expanding research funding and encouraging informed conversations remain important priorities in efforts to reduce the burden of epilepsy and advance SUDEP prevention.
Source: SK Life Science press release
