The Future of Urology in Question: New Survey Reveals the Top Concerns Facing Specialists Today

LONDON and STAINES, England, March 19, 2011 - 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

About Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd.:

Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd., located in the UK, is a European subsidiary
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 pharmaceuticals. The organisation is
committed to becoming a global company by combining outstanding R&D and
marketing capabilities and continuing to grow in the world pharmaceutical
market. Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd. is responsible for 21 affiliate offices
located across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, an R&D site and three
manufacturing plants. The company employs approximately 3,900 staff across
these regions. For more information about Astellas Pharma Europe, please
visit www.astellas.eu.

    Contacts for inquiries or additional information

    Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd.
    Corporate Communications
    Mindy Dooa
    Tel: +44-(0)1784-419408

    www.astellas.eu

Contacts for inquiries or additional information: Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd., Corporate Communications, Mindy Dooa, Tel: +44-(0)1784-419408