Asia PR News

BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 29 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ –

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.com SSolomon@investorrelations.com

SOURCE: Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

CONTACT: Mariam Morris, CPA,
Chief Financial Officer,
Sucampo Pharmaceuticals,
+1-301-961-3400,
MMorris@sucampo.com; or

Scott Solomon,
Vice President,
Sharon Merrill Associates, Inc.,
+1-617-542-5300,
SSolomon@investorrelations.com