Strong Quarter For Amitiza; Sucampo Makes Up With Takeda

Sucampo Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:SCMP) reported 2Q 2012 revenues of $16.7 million, up 19.2% year over year. Evidence that the company’s treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Amitiza, is growing again should support the stock, with comments from the company that it is now working closely with Takeda again to grow the franchise. Sucampo spent an extra $4 million or so in the quarter as it was preparing to get the product back if arbitration hearings went in the way of Takeda. According to the company, these were “non-recurring” expenses, but market research gained from the investment revealed opportunities that should help partner Takeda do a better job selling the drug in the future.  Sales of treatments for IBS are expected to rise on the whole as more products are introduced and marketed in this underpenetrated treatment segment. (more…)