Celebrating Purple Day at UCB UK&I

Today, 26th March, is Purple Day – a pivotal moment every year to raise awareness and support those living with or caring for someone with epilepsy.

With around 630,000 people in the UK affected by epilepsy, the chances are we all know someone living with it. It is the most common neurological condition in the world, yet, despite this, many aspects of the condition remain misunderstood.

For many, it’s more than just seizures—it’s navigating healthcare sectors that don’t always accommodate, managing misconceptions, and overcoming daily hurdles.

A recent report by UK Rare Epilepsies Together (UKRET), sponsored by UCB, has taken a key step in identifying these significant challenges – particularly the gaps in care for those with rare and complex epilepsies in the UK. These conditions are often resistant to treatment, with multiple co-morbidities, making care management highly complex. They also face gaps in medical literature, limited healthcare recognition and barriers to accessing specialised care. Challenges often persist into adulthood, profoundly affecting quality of life.

Through discussions with patient group leaders and caregivers, UKRET reported the need for:

• Greater recognition by HCPs 
• Stronger support systems for patients and families 
• Improved care pathways

These insights underscore the urgent need for better care coordination, research advances, and policy reforms. Awareness is key, and through increased knowledge and education, we can strive for earlier diagnoses and better care for patients in the UK.

At UCB UK, we remain committed to addressing the unmet needs of people with epilepsy, particularly those with severe or drug-resistant forms, where few treatment options exist.

In addition to continuing our collaboration with UKRET on ways to improve care for people with drug-resistant epilepsy, we have also supported Epilepsy Action in assessing local areas on how well they meet the needs of this community.

Today, I’m proud to wear purple and stand alongside this incredible community. By continuing to raise awareness, foster collaboration, and advocate for change, we can turn thought into action and help build a future where this community is no longer overlooked and conditions like epilepsy get the recognition they deserve.

Read the full report here: https://www.ucbpharma.co.uk/UK_Rare_Epilepsies_Together/Case_for_Change

IE-DA-2500040 | March 2025