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R-Tech Ueno Discloses Results of Phase 2 Retinitis Pigmentosa Clinical Trial

This was a multi-center, randomized, double blind, three parallel group, placebo controlled study conducted according to current Good Clinical Practice (cGCP). This phase 2 clinical study of UF-021 was conducted in 112 mid-stage to late-stage retinitis pigmentosa patients.

In April 2009, Sucampo licensed from RTU the development and commercialization rights to UF-021 for the United States and Canada, including all associated patents, improvements and other intellectual property owned, controlled and developed by RTU.

The data from this trial is undergoing further analysis and will be submitted to an appropriate scientific conference for presentation.

Retinitis pigmentosa is a genetic disease characterized by progressive, irreversible vision loss and decreasing visual acuity. As RP progresses, daily life becomes increasingly more difficult. Blindness from all causes is among the most significant injuries to a patient's quality of life and is a major driver of patient-based cost of care and life-style maintenance. There are no drugs or therapeutic procedures currently approved for the treatment of RP today.

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 the CEO, also a medical doctor, the company is developing new drugs on the theme of "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 for unmet medical needs (medical needs that are not fulfilled yet) which the Japanese government recommends and assists, orphan drugs and the drugs in the field of anti-aging (lifestyle drugs).

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.

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 four wholly owned subsidiaries: Sucampo Pharma Europe, Ltd., located in the UK; Sucampo Pharma, Ltd., located in Japan; Sucampo Manufacturing & Research AG, located in Switzerland; and, Sucampo Pharma Americas, Inc., located in Maryland. To learn more about Sucampo Pharmaceuticals Inc. and its products, visit www.sucampo.com.

Sucampo Forward Looking Statement

Any statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects for Sucampo Pharmaceuticals are forward-looking statements made under the provisions of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the words "project," "believe," "anticipate," "plan," "expect," "estimate," "intend," "should," "would," "could," "will," " may" or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements include statements about potential growth in the prevalence of particular diseases or conditions, including retinitis pigmentosa, the potential utility of UF-021 to treat retinitis pigmentosa and additional indications and future clinical trials. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including those described in Sucampo Pharmaceuticals' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and other periodic reports filed with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements in this press release represent Sucampo Pharmaceuticals' views only as of the date of this release and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Sucampo does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Kate de Santis
1-240-223-3834
kdesantis@sucampo.com
or
Westwicke Partners, LLC
John Woolford
1-443-213-0506
john.woolford@westwickepartners.com