Singapore, Feb 27, 2009: The subsidiary of US-based Sucampo Pharmaceuticals has entered into a license and commercialization agreement with Abbott Japan for Sucampo’s lubiprostone (Amitiza) in Japan.

Lubiprostone is the only FDA-approved treatment for chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults and for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adult women. In September 2008, Sucampo reported results from a phase IIb dose-ranging study of lubiprostone for CIC in Japanese patients. Based on these results, Sucampo plans to initiate phase III clinical testing of lubiprostone for CIC in Japan in the second quarter of 2009.

Lubiprostone is a selective activator of type-2 chloride channels through which negatively charged chloride ions flow out of the cells lining the small intestine and into the intestinal cavity. As these negatively charged chloride ions enter the intestine, positively charged sodium ions move through spaces between the cells into the intestine to balance the negative charge of the chloride ions. As these sodium ions move into the intestine, water is also allowed to pass into the intestine through these spaces between the cells. This movement of water into the small intestine promotes fluid content, which in turn softens the stool and facilitates its movement, or motility, through the intestine.

Dr Ryuji Ueno, CMD of Sucampo, said, “We are very excited to enter into this agreement with Abbott because of their strong international presence and infrastructure. Entering the Japanese market represents a key element of Sucampo’s overall growth-strategy of bringing our proprietary products to the global-market place while also continuing to develop and commercialize other prostone-based portfolio product candidates.”