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

    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).