Announcement Regarding the News Coverage Concerning An Inquiry On Trades Of Acucela Shares

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Acucela Inc. (Tokyo:4589) (the “Company”), a clinical-stage ophthalmology company that specializes in identifying and developing novel therapeutics to treat and slow the progression of sight-threatening ophthalmic diseases, announced today that during the Japan Exchange Group’s (“JPX”) regularly scheduled press event on June 21, 2016 (Japan time), it was reported that Japan Exchange Regulation (a subsidiary of JPX) is conducting an inquiry into trades of Acucela shares.

Acucela will endeavor to cooperate fully with inquiries made by Japan Exchange Regulation.

About Acucela Inc.

Acucela Inc. (http://www.acucela.com/ or http://www.acucela.jp) is a clinical-stage ophthalmology company that specializes in identifying and developing novel therapeutics to treat and slow the progression of sight-threatening ophthalmic diseases affecting millions of people worldwide. The Company’s pipeline includes drug candidates and therapeutics for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, Stargardt disease and cataracts.

“Acucela” and the Acucela logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Acucela Inc. in various jurisdictions.