Astellas European Foundation Announces Winner of the Functional Urology and Uro-Gynaecology Grant

Milan (ots/PRNewswire) -

Dr Pieter Groenendijk Wins $150,000 Grant to Support his Research
in Understanding Urethral Pressure Variations During Filling
Cystometry

The Astellas European Foundation is pleased to announce Dr Pieter
Groenendijk as the winner of the $150,000 Functional Urology and
Uro-Gynaecology Grant. Dr Groenendijk, a urologist from Medisch
Centrum Haaglanden collected the award last night in Milan for his
project titled 'Urethral pressure variations on urodynamic evaluation
to sub classify patients with overactive bladder syndrome and select
specific treatment.'

At the Awards Presentation, Dr Pieter Groenendijk said:

"We are very happy to have received this grant from the Astellas
European Foundation. The role of urethral pressure variations during
filling cystometry as a potential cause of voiding dysfunction and/or
storage disorders is poorly understood. Urethral pressure variations
(urethral instability) may however be valuable in the diagnosis and
evaluation of therapy in functional lower urinary tract disorders.
This grant will enable us to study the origin of urethral pressure
variations and come to a better patient selection."

Dr Ayad Abdulahad, Astellas European Foundation Trustee and Vice
President of Medical Affairs and Health Economics for Astellas Pharma
Europe Ltd. commented, "It was a very difficult task for the judging
panel to choose one winner. We received 50 entries of an extremely
high standard from across Europe, covering both functional urology
and uro-gynaecology topics. The judging panel was excited by Dr
Groenendijk's research and looks forward to seeing the outcome of his
study. It could greatly contribute to our understanding of disease
pathology and lead to improved treatment options for patients with
overactive bladder syndrome (OAB)." Dr Abdulahad continued, "The
Foundation would like to thank all of those who submitted research
proposals."

The winner of the Grants was chosen by a Judging Faculty that
includes independent European thought leaders. The Astellas European
Foundation supports basic medical and related scientific programmes
which contribute to advancements in urology, uro-oncology and
transplantation. The Foundation now offers annual Grants of $150,000
for Functional Urology and Uro-Gynaecology (awarded in Milan last
night), Uro-Oncology and Transplantation (which are both to be
awarded in the autumn). For information regarding the Grant process
please contact the Astellas European Foundation by email at
aef@astellas.com or call +44-203-379-8039.

Notes to Editors

About The Astellas European Foundation

The Astellas European Foundation is a registered charity, formed
in 2005, with the long-term goal of providing support for programmes
and activities that contribute to the advancement of an increasingly
healthy society. In line with this aim, the Foundation made
substantial donations to global charities. The Astellas European
Foundation also supports Astellas employees in their private
fundraising efforts for charitable causes. The Astellas European
Foundation is registered with the Charity Commission for England and
Wales, number 1036344.

The Astellas European Foundation was established by funding from
Astellas Pharma Inc, but operates independently of it.

ots Originaltext: Astellas European Foundation
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Contact:
Mindy Dooa, Communications Director, Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd.,
Tel: +44(0)203-379-8035, Mobile: +44(0)7826-912-339, Email:
mindy.doaa@astellas.com