Angelman Syndrome Foundation Takes Major Step Toward Furthering Research Efforts

ORLANDO, Fla., July 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The Angelman Syndrome Foundation today
announced the formation of the Angelman Treatment and Research Institute
(ATRI), which will direct the organization's rapidly increasing research
funding. The ATRI will also serve as a hub for more than 30 organizations,
researchers and scientists worldwide to share discoveries and treatments for
this neuro-genetic disorder. The announcement of the ATRI was made during the
Angelman Syndrome Foundation's biennial conference in Orlando, Fla.

ATRI will realize the Angelman Syndrome Foundation's "scientific roadmap" that
directs its aggressive funding of Angelman Syndrome (AS) research. AS occurs
in one in every 15,000 live births and exhibits symptoms such as:
developmental delay; lack of speech; seizures; inappropriate laughter; and
walking and balance disorders. Short term focus of the roadmap is to fund
research that finds treatments that may cure symptoms of AS while continuing
ongoing research and clinical trials involving UBE3A, the gene with
abnormalities in AS patients. Since AS shares symptoms with several other
disorders, including autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, Rett Syndrome, and
Prader-Willi Syndrome, any progress toward treating and curing symptoms has
the potential to positively affect more than 12 million people.

"The creation of the Angelman Treatment and Research Institute is exciting and
timely. The priorities as established by the ATRI are right on in recognizing
the continued need for expanding our fundamental knowledge of UBE3A and its
role in brain development and function," said Michael D. Ehlers, M.D., Ph.D.,
Department of Neurobiology at Duke University Medical Center. "The Angelman
Syndrome Foundation is to be applauded in having the vision to recognize the
critical importance of basic research and in setting this research on a
trajectory toward a cure. I see a future of great opportunity and advance in
neurodevelopmental disorders with Angelman Syndrome and the ATRI leading the
way."

Research funding will also focus on new therapies for symptoms,
pharmaceuticals, biological agents, adaptive devices, surgical and diagnostic
procedures. An emphasis on adult AS patients will extend the scope of clinical
trials to include a wide age group and investigate and advance life and
self-help skills, vocational training, and access to community programs and
health services.

"The Angelman Syndrome Foundation is committing $125,000 in seed funding to
start ATRI with an ultimate goal of raising $2 million within two years," said
Eileen Braun, Angelman Syndrome Foundation Executive Director. "Funding will
be used to implement program goals while the Angelman Syndrome Foundation's
Scientific Advisory Committee will continue administering grant reviews and
making funding recommendations for innovative research."

ATRI will allow scientific members to conduct Web-based meetings and
symposiums, and convene as necessary to discuss research progress and
activities.

About Angelman Syndrome
Identified by Dr. Harry Angelman, AS occurs in one in every 15,000 live births
and exhibits symptoms such as: developmental delay; lack of speech; seizures;
inappropriate laughter; and walking and balance disorders. It is a life-long
neuro-genetic disorder usually identified in patients between two and five
years old. AS is often misdiagnosed as Autism and a cure has not yet been
developed.

About Angelman Syndrome Foundation
The Angelman Syndrome Foundation, the leading resource for AS information,
support and AS research funding was founded more than 20 years ago with the
mission of advancing the awareness and treatment of AS through education and
information, research and support for individuals with AS, their families and
other concerned parties. Since 1996 the Angelman Syndrome Foundation has
funded 51 research grants totaling over $2.5 million. The Angelman Syndrome
Foundation has awarded a majority of these funds ($2.2 million) beginning in
2005. In November 2008, the Angelman Syndrome Foundation received Charity
Navigator's 4-star rating for sound fiscal management. Only a quarter of all
charities evaluated by Charity Navigator receive this distinction of
demonstrating the ability to efficiently manage and grow its finances. For
more information, please visit www.angelman.org.

SOURCE Angelman Syndrome Foundation

Liz Sidor of Fahlgren Mortine Public Relations, for the Angelman Syndrome
Foundation, +1-937-439-0532, liz.sidor@fahlgren.com