MARKHAM, ON, Feb. 12, 2014 /CNW/ - Genitourinary cancer research in Canada will receive a significant boost in funding thanks to a new research collaboration between the Canadian Urologic Oncology Group (CUOG), Canadian Urological Association (CUA) and Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc. (Astellas).
Astellas has pledged $450,000 over three years to initiate the CUA-CUOG Astellas Research Grant program. The primary objective of this new grant program is to advance Canadian peer-reviewed research in uro-oncologic disorders, with the ultimate goal of improving patient care. This new program complements the partnership between Astellas and the CUA through the multi-year CUA Astellas Research Grant Program which focusses on functional urology.
The introduction of this new grant reflects Astellas' ongoing commitment to the Canadian urology community and provides a separate program specifically geared towards researchers in the uro-oncology area. The primary focus of the program in its inaugural year will be to support research specifically in prostate cancer.
"On behalf of CUOG, CUA and researchers across Canada, I would like to thank Astellas for their generous contribution," says Dr. Fred Saad, Professor and Chief of Urology, University of Montreal Health Center. "These funds will support research conducted by young innovative minds and will contribute to kick-starting cutting edge research in prostate cancer."
"Astellas is proud to support the uro-oncology researchers whose important work has the potential to offer new hope for men battling prostate cancer," says Michael Tremblay, President, Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc. "Until a cure can be found, new and innovative treatments developed through discovery research will allow patients to spend more quality time with their loved ones, which is priceless."
Applications for the CUA-CUOG Astellas Research Awards are due April 1, 2014 and the recipients will be announced at both the annual CUA and CUOG general meetings. For more information about the CUA-CUOG Astellas Research Grant program, including eligibility criteria and the application process, please visit www.cua.org, www.cuog.ca or www.astellas.ca.
About the Canadian Urological Association (CUA)
The CUA Mission is to represent and provide a voice for all Canadian urologists and to foster dedication of all members of the profession toward ensuring the highest possible standard of urologic care for Canadians.
The goals of the CUA are to:
- To foster and promote excellence in urologic practice through education and research.
- To provide leadership in promoting evidence based clinical practice through the development of practice guidelines.
- To foster and promote life-long learning by Canadian urologists through continuous professional development.
- To provide leadership in public education for urologic diseases.
- To represent Canadian urology in developing and fostering partnerships while maintaining the highest educational and ethical standards.
- To represent the Canadian urologic community in relationships with national and international medical societies.
More information about CUA can be found at www.cua.org
About the Canadian Urologic Oncology Group (CUOG)
The Canadian Urologic Oncology Group (CUOG) is a clinical research investigator network of leading academic and community based urologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists, committed to furthering genitourinary (GU) cancer research in Canada.
CUOG pursues clinical trials in concert with the pharmaceutical industry to find medicines and cures to tackle urological disorders including, but not restricted to:
- Prostate cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Renal cancer
- Testicular cancer
More information about CUOG can be found at www.cuog.ca
About Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc.
Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc., headquartered in Markham, ON, is a Canadian affiliate of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc. Astellas is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products.
The organization is committed to becoming a global category leader in focused areas by combining outstanding R&D and marketing capabilities. In Canada, Astellas has an intense commercial focus on five therapeutic areas - Urology, Immunology, Infectious Disease, Dermatology and Oncology.
For more information about Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc., please visit the corporate website: www.astellas.ca
SOURCE: Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc.
For further information:
Michelle Reale
Corporate Communications
Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc.
(905) 946-5621
[email protected]
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