Sucampo Pharmaceuticals has announced that it signed an amendment to the existing collaboration and license agreement (Collaboration Agreement) covering the United States and Canada for AMITIZA(R) (lubiprostone) with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd. The amendment includes various modifications to the Collaboration Agreement including the extension of the current term, minimum commercial investment during the current term and various governance changes allowing Takeda additional flexibility in commercializing AMITIZA.

During the extended term, which will begin on January 1, 2021, Takeda will split with Sucampo the gross profits of branded AMITIZA for any dosage strength and form for the existing indications in the U.S. and Canada. In addition, on April 1, 2015 Takeda will no longer reimburse Sucampo for the product details made by Sucampo sales representatives to healthcare professionals as well as other ancillary costs of the sales force.

“Today’s announcement of the extended collaboration with Takeda is yet another step toward achieving our objective of securing Sucampo’s foundation and expanding the AMITIZA business. This extended collaboration also allows Sucampo to share in the long-term value of AMITIZA,” said Peter Greenleaf, Chief Executive Officer of Sucampo.
“Takeda and Sucampo are aligned in our objectives for the brand, and I believe this newly extended collaboration and license agreement positions the companies more strongly than ever to help grow the AMITIZA business.”