BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced that Founder and Chief Executive Officer Ryuji Ueno, M.D., Ph.D., Ph.D., has received the 2006 Japan Innovator Award from Nikkei Business Publications. The award is given annually to entrepreneurs who have contributed to Japanese business and society through the introduction of a new technology or the creation of a new business model.
The award was presented today in a ceremony at the Takanawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo, Japan. Previous recipients of the Japan Innovator Award include representatives of Sony, Japan IBM, Suntory and NEC.
Dr. Ueno is an internationally recognized expert in the pharmacology, physiology and biochemistry of endogenous (naturally occurring) fatty acids and related compounds. He was the first to identify therapeutic uses of prostones, a class of endogenous fatty acids. After leading the successful development and commercial launch of the glaucoma therapy RESCULA(R), Dr. Ueno and Sachiko Kuno, Ph.D., founded the Sucampo Group, an affiliation of companies in the Americas, Asia and Europe. Sucampo Pharmaceuticals is the group’s U.S. operating company. AMITIZA(R), the group’s initial prostone- based product, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in January 2006 for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation in adults.
“The success we have achieved with AMITIZA(R) is a result of the hard work and dedication of everyone at Sucampo, so on behalf of all of our employees I am honored to receive the distinguished Japan Innovator Award,” Dr. Ueno said. “We look forward not only to continuing to build AMITIZA(R)'s presence in the market, but also to advancing our research and discovery pipeline through the introduction of new prostone-based therapies.”
AMITIZA(R), approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January 2006 for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation in adults, was developed by Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and is jointly marketed in the United States by Sucampo and Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc. AMITIZA(R) is a selective type-2 chloride channel activator that promotes intestinal fluid secretion, thereby facilitating the passage of stool and relieving associated symptoms of constipation. In clinical studies, AMITIZA(R) increased the frequency of bowel movements and improved abdominal bloating, abdominal discomfort, stool consistency, and straining. AMITIZA(R) is the only prescription product for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation that has been approved by the FDA for use by adults of all ages, including those over 65 years of age, and has demonstrated effectiveness for use beyond 12 weeks.
About AMITIZA(R)
AMITIZA(R) is indicated for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation in the adult population in the United States. AMITIZA(R) should not be used in patients with a known hypersensitivity to any components of the formulation and in patients with a history of mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction. Patients with symptoms suggestive of mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction should be evaluated prior to initiating AMITIZA(R) treatment.
The safety of AMITIZA(R) in pregnancy has not been evaluated in humans. In guinea pigs, lubiprostone has been shown to have the potential to cause fetal loss. AMITIZA(R) should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Women who could become pregnant should have a negative pregnancy test prior to beginning therapy with AMITIZA(R) and should be capable of complying with effective contraceptive measures.
AMITIZA(R) should not be administered to patients that have severe diarrhea. Patients should be aware of the possible occurrence of diarrhea during treatment. If the diarrhea becomes severe, patients should consult their health professional.
In clinical trials, the most common adverse event was nausea (31 %). Other adverse events (greater than or equal to 5% of patients) included diarrhea (13%), headache (13%), abdominal distention (7%), abdominal pain (7%), flatulence (6%), sinusitis (5%) and vomiting (5%).
Any statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects for Sucampo, including statements containing the words “estimates,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “will,” and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, many of which are outside of our control. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent our views as of November 29, 2006. Subsequent events and developments may cause our views to change. However, while we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any date subsequent to November 29, 2006.
Contact: Mariam Morris, CPA or Scott Solomon Chief Financial Officer Vice President Sucampo Pharmaceuticals Sharon Merrill Associates, Inc. 301-961-3400 617-542-5300 MMorris@sucampo.comSSolomon@investorrelations.com
Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
CONTACT: Mariam Morris, CPA, Chief Financial Officer, SucampoPharmaceuticals, +1-301-961-3400, MMorris@sucampo.com; or Scott Solomon,Vice President, Sharon Merrill Associates, Inc., +1-617-542-5300,SSolomon@investorrelations.com
