MILAN, March 18, 2013 /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.