Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a global biopharmaceutical company based in Bethesda, MD, 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. Dr. Ueno founded Sucampo Pharmaceuticals in 1996 with Sachiko Kuno, Ph.D., founding chief executive officer and advisor, international business development.

In January 2006, Sucampo received marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its first product, AMITIZAŽ (lubiprostone) (24 mcg), for the treatment of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation in adults. In April 2008, AMITIZA (8 mcg) was approved by the FDA for a second indication, Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) in women 18 years and older.

 

May 28, 2009
Sucampo Board of Directors Issues Statement Regarding Sales Performance by Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America for AMITIZA

May 19, 2009
Sucampo Initiates Pivotal Phase 3 Efficacy Trial of Lubiprostone for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation in Japan

May 15, 2009
Sucampo Pharmaceuticals Named Biotechnology Firm of the Year by Tech Council of Maryland