LONDON and STAINES, England, March 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- New research by Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd. today reveals the top three challenges facing urologists across Europe are a lack of funding for research and development; a lack of understanding amongst referrers; and a lack of new treatments available to patients.(1)

When asked to rank the biggest challenges in urology today, 65 per cent of urologists ranked a lack of funding of research and development as their biggest concern, and more than half cited lack of understanding amongst referrers as an ongoing problem. More than a third of respondents indicated a lack of new treatments for urological conditions as a problem in the area. Disappointingly, nearly two thirds of those surveyed felt urology was not a health priority in their country, and the majority do not believe the senior management in their hospital prioritises their discipline.

Dr Txema Sanz, Senior Brand Director for Urology, Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd. said; "At Astellas, we recognise the importance of working closely with urologists across Europe to understand the challenges they face and to learn the ways we can support them now and in the future. We understand the importance of funding comprehensive research and development in urology and are committed to finding more solutions to address unmet medical needs. It was also interesting to see that continuing education is a key priority for those urologists questioned. At Astellas we are committed to providing ongoing education and work hard to support educational meetings across Europe. For example, we have hosted the Leading Lights in Urology and Uro-gynaecology meetings for the last four years and support training meetings for newly qualified urologists. We are also especially aware of the need for local solutions, and concentrate on providing training opportunities tailored to the challenges urologists and primary care referrers' face in each country."

The research shows that another major challenge urologists continue to face is the implementation of the European Working Time Directive, which gives employees the right to work no more than 48 hours per week. 9 out of 10 urologists surveyed work more than 50 hours per week, working on average, 53 hours per week. The majority also highlighted that paperwork and internal bureaucracy have the most negative impact on the time they can spend directly with patients.

Leading expert in prostate cancer Professor Kurt Miller, from the Charité - University Medicine Berlin, said; "There are many unanswered questions in urology which need ongoing and significant research to answer. It is still an underfunded discipline, and prostate cancer in particular is lagging behind other common malignancies like breast, lung and colon. Continued funding and ongoing education is key to providing the best patient care possible in this changing field. Pharmaceutical companies like Astellas play an important role, supporting research to help us answer outstanding questions and providing training to ensure we are well equipped to provide the best care for patients, every day."

The survey, conducted by leading pharmaceutical company Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd., was carried out amongst 220 urologists from across Europe to canvass opinion on the changing face of the urology landscape.

Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd is an established leader in urology in Europe, committed to improving the lives of patients with urological conditions. Its current urology portfolio includes treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), overactive bladder (OAB) and prostate cancer. With a strong emphasis on research and development, Astellas is dedicated to finding new treatments to meet unmet medical needs and has a number of treatments for urological conditions in the later stages of development. As part of its ongoing commitment to the field, Astellas also provides and supports a wide range of educational opportunities for those working in the field of urology, designed to progress professional expertise and improve patient outcomes.

(1) Market research conducted by Ismar Healthcare via Survey Gizmo amongst 220 urologists in February/ March 2011