Lubiprostone Successfully Completes Phase 3 Efficacy Trial in Japanese Patients
TOKYO, June 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(Sucampo) announced that phase 3 double blind trial of lubiprostone
(marketed as AMITIZA (R) in the U.S.) for chronic idiopathic
constipation (CIC) in Japanese patients has been completed (See
Sucampo release dated June 8, 2010).
R-Tech Ueno has an agreement with Sucampo Pharma Ltd. (SPL), a
wholly owned subsidiary of Sucampo, under which it has the
exclusive right to manufacture and supply lubiprostone (marketed as
AMITIZA (R)in the U.S.) in Japan, Asia, Oceania and other regions
(See R-Tech Ueno release dated February 23, 2009).
The above will have no impact on our financial results for the
fiscal year ending March 2011.
About Lubiprostone
Lubiprostone was approved in the U.S. for the treatment of
chronic idiopathic constipation in adults of both genders and all
ages - in January, 2006 - and of irritable bowel syndrome with
constipation in adult women - in April, 2008 under the trade name
Amitiza (R) - Lubiprostone increases fluid secretion into the
intestinal tract by activating specific chloride channels on cells
lining the small intestine, thereby facilitating the passage of
stool. Lubiprostone is one of the prostone compounds (functional
fatty acid) identified by Dr. Ryuji Ueno, who is founder of R-Tech
Ueno as well as Sucampo Group, and is the world's first Chloride
Channel Activator approved as a drug.
About Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc., an international
biopharmaceutical company based in Bethesda, Maryland, focuses on
the development and commercialization of medicines based on
prostones. The therapeutic potential of prostones, which are
bio-lipids that occur naturally in the human body, was first
identified by Ryuji Ueno, M.D., Ph.D., Ph.D., Sucampo
Pharmaceuticals' Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. In addition,
Sucampo has a robust pipeline of compounds with the potential to
target under-served diseases affecting millions of patients
worldwide.
Sucampo markets Amitiza (R) (lubiprostone) 24 mcg in the U.S.
for chronic idiopathic constipation in adults and Amitiza 8 mcg in
the U.S. to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation in
adult women.
Sucampo also is developing the drug for additional
gastrointestinal disorders with large potential markets. In
addition, Sucampo has a robust pipeline of compounds with the
potential to target underserved diseases affecting millions of
patients worldwide.
Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has three wholly owned
subsidiaries: Sucampo Pharma Europe, Ltd., located in the UK;
Sucampo Pharma, Ltd., located in Japan; and Sucampo Pharma
Americas, Inc., located in Maryland. To learn more about Sucampo
Pharmaceuticals Inc. and its products, visit www.sucampo.com.
Amitiza (R) is a registered trademark of Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. About R-Tech Ueno, Ltd.
R-Tech Ueno is a bio venture company established in September
1989 for the purpose of marketing and R&D of drugs. Under
leadership of CEO Ryuji Ueno, also a medical doctor, the company is
developing new drugs on the theme "Physician-Oriented New Drug
Innovation," targeting ophthalmologic and dermatologic diseases
that previously had no effective therapeutic agent. We aim at
becoming a "global pharmaceutical company specializing in specific
fields (ophthalmology and dermatology) and selling and developing
pharmaceutical products through the eyes of doctors." We are
promoting development of new drugs of unmet medical needs (medical
needs that are not fulfilled yet) which the government recommends
and assists, orphan drugs and the drugs in the field of anti-aging
(lifestyle drugs).
Stock Code: No.4573, Osaka Securities Exchange; Hercules
Head Office: 1-1-7 Uchisaiwai-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Yukihiko Mashima, Representative Director &
President
Contact:
Koji Nakamura
Business Management Department
R-Tech Ueno, Ltd.
TEL: +81-3-3596-8011
e-mail: koji.nakamura@rtueno.co.jp
URL: http://rtechueno.com/en/
Source: R-Tech Ueno, Ltd.
CONTACT: Koji Nakamura, Business Management Department of R-Tech
Ueno,
Ltd., +81-3-3596-8011, koji.nakamura@rtueno.co.jp
Web Site: http://rtechueno.com/en
Posted: June 2010
