First CUA Astellas Research Grant recipients are announced
MARKHAM, ON, Aug. 28, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Urological Association (CUA) and Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc. are pleased to announce the 2012 recipients of the CUA Astellas Research Grant.
The newly-created grant program supports peer-reviewed research that promotes excellence in urological research, with the ultimate goal of improving patient care. Astellas Pharma Canada has pledged $750,000 over a period of five years to support Canadian investigators in urology.
"During the first year of the CUA-Astellas Research Grant Program, the Scientific Council received 19 applications of very high scientific caliber," says Dr. Ricardo Rendon, Chair of the Scientific Council of Canadian Urological Association Scholarship Fund (CUASF). "Three $50,000 grants were awarded to three Canadian researchers in the areas of functional urology, kidney stones, and bladder cancer."
The first CUA Astellas Research Grant recipients include:
Dr. Ben Chew
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
Project Title: Signaling hedgehog pathway and ureteral peristalsis and stents
Dr. Blaine Welk
University of Western Ontario, London, ON
Project Title: The development and validation of a neurogenic bladder symptom score for use in clinical study
Dr. Alexandre Zlotta
University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Project Title: A non-invasive epigenetic urinary biomarker panel for the early detection of bladder cancer
"This Grant Program, created with the generous support of Astellas Pharma Canada, has singlehandedly doubled the annual resources that are available to the CUA to fund research in Canada," explains Dr. Rendon. "Our Association acknowledges the significant contribution from Astellas and is looking forward to a very productive long-term partnership."
Michael Tremblay, President of Astellas Pharma Canada, says Astellas is proud to support the efforts of the Canadian urology community through ongoing contributions to investigator research, patient programs and sponsorships.
"For us, patient health is paramount," says Tremblay. "This multi-year partnership with the CUA further demonstrates Astellas' commitment to urology research that will ultimately lead to improved therapies and quality of life for patients."
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 Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc.
Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc., a Canadian affiliate of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc. ("Astellas"), is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to changing tomorrow by improving the health of people around the world through innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products.
Astellas has an intense focus on five key therapeutic areas - Urology, Immunology (including Transplantation) and Infectious Diseases, Oncology, Neuroscience and Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Complications and Kidney Diseases. Astellas is promoting research to develop revolutionary new drugs that are needed for the treatment of diseases in these fields.
For more information about Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc., please visit www.astellas.ca
SOURCE: Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc.
Naomi Côté
Corporate Communications
Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc.
(905) 946-5648
[email protected]
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