-Acucela  Inc. has been named as a recipient of the 2012 Emerging Leaders award from the Japan-U.S. Innovation Awards.

Acucela is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on  developing new treatments for blinding eye diseases.

Now in its second year, the Japan-U.S. Innovation Awards  program is sponsored by the Japan Society of Northern California in collaboration  with the Stanford University U.S.-Asia Technology Management Center. The awards  are designed to recognize the synergy between Japan and the United States by  honoring outstanding companies from both countries that have achieved highly  noteworthy innovation in their business or technology.

The Emerging Leaders award highlights two companies-one from  Japan and one from the United States-that are young, small, dynamic, growing,  entrepreneurial, and have a credible footprint in both Japan and the United States.

“It is an honor to accept this award on behalf of Acucela,  and a testament to the important work our entire team contributes every day to  continue the fight against blinding eye diseases,” said Ryo Kubota, MD, PhD,  Acucela’s chairman, president, and chief executive officer.

Acucela Inc. has been named as a recipient of the 2012 Emerging Leaders award from the Japan-U.S. Innovation Awards