Astellas European Foundation Functional Urology/Uro-Gynaecology Grant Shortlist Announced

CHERTSEY, England, March 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

$150,000 Grant will be awarded on Sunday 22nd March

The Astellas European Foundation has announced the shortlist for the Functional Urology/Uro-Gynaecology Grant. The Grant programme supports basic medical and related scientific programmes which contribute to advancements in functional urology or uro-gynaecology. The six finalists are from The Netherlands, Spain, and two separate submissions from both Germany and Sweden. The winner will be announced on the evening of 22nd March, 2015.

The shortlisted projects:

• Dr. Martin Hennenberg & Prof. Dr. Christian Gratzke, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Germany, 'Effects of selective group I p21-activated kinase (PAK) inhibition on human bladder smooth muscle contraction, bladder smooth muscle cell growth, and bladder function in vivo'
• Professor Ralph Peeker, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden, 'Bladder Pain Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis Type 3C: Clinical and experimental studies of the urothelial barrier with particular emphasis on the role of nitric oxide (NO) production via the inducible NO-synthase'
• Dr Marion Ek, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, 'The importance of type of suture material and surgical technique in pelvic organ prolapse surgery and the risk of recurrence- A register-based study'
• Dr Jose Batista-Miranda, Hospital Quirón Teknon, Barcelona, Spain, 'Comprehensive study of nocturia combining new electronic devices: towards a more accurate diagnosis and treatment'
• Dr M.S. Rahnama'i, Maastricht University Medical Center,  Maastricht, The Netherlands, 'An Imaging Biomarker for Bladder Activity Disorders: Functional Magnetic Resonance 7 Tesla Imaging ( fMRI) in combination with urodynamics to  study the effect of bladder sensory stimulation on Brain activity in  Patients with a Bladder activity disorder, including the effect of antimuscarinic and beta mimetic agents'
• Dr. Uwe Pfeil, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany, 'Expression and physiological relevance of an intrinsic non-neuronal catecholaminergic system in the urinary bladder'

The Astellas European Foundation is a registered charity with the long-term goal of providing support for programmes and activities that advance our understanding of medicine and health. The winner of the Grant is selected by a Judging Faculty that includes independent European thought leaders.

Dr Ayad Abdulahad, Astellas European Foundation Trustee and Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs and Health Economics for Astellas Pharma EMEA commented, "We are delighted to be presenting a urology-focused grant for a 10th year. We are pleased to share the shortlist entrants who have succeeded in reaching the final stage. This application process is open to research institutions and hospitals across our region. We would like to thank all the institutions that have expressed their interest with applications this year."

The Foundation offers annual Grants of $150,000 for Functional Urology and Uro-Gynaecology, Uro-Oncology and Transplantation. 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 has 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.