ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS RETAINS EDELMAN AS PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRM

Public Relations Firm Focused on Increasing Media Awareness of Company’s

Oral Mucositis Treatment

Dallas, TX and New York, NY, August 05, 2011

ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (OTCBB: ACCP), a biopharmaceutical company leveraging its proprietary drug-delivery platforms to develop treatments in areas of oncology, cancer supportive care and diabetes, has hired Edelman, the leading full service global public relations firm, to support its media outreach initiatives.  Edelman will assist Access in implementing a media communications outreach program primarily aimed at introducing MuGard and building awareness of its ability to treat oral mucositis, a potentially debilitating disease which can cause painful inflammation and lesions of the mucous membranes lining the mouth and GI tract.

“Edelman has a great track record in conveying the value of company pipelines to a broad range of media outlets,” said Jeffrey Davis, Chief Executive Officer, Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc.  He continued, “We believe we are at the right time in the Access story and the commercialization of MuGard to expand our reach in within trade and consumer publications.   As we continue to execute on our strategy of growing the MuGard brand, capitalizing on Edelman’s strategic skills, creativity and global reach to communicate the benefit and control it provides cancer patients will be key in achieving our MuGard education and communications objectives.”

Bruce Hayes, general manager of Health for Edelman in the company’s New York office stated, “We are pleased that Access has made the decision to join our portfolio of health clients.  An emerging player in the cancer supportive care industry, Access is helping patients who suffer from oral mucositis. We are confident that our public engagement strategies will assist in building the MuGard brand and raising Access’ visibility among its key audiences.”

About Edelman

Edelman is the world’s largest independent public relations firm, with wholly-owned offices in 53 cities and 3,700 employees worldwide. Edelman was named Advertising Age’s top-ranked PR firm of the decade and one of its “2010 A-List Agencies” and “2010 Best Places to Work;” PRWeek’s “2011 Large PR Agency of the Year” and “2009 Agency of the Year;” European Excellence Awards’ “2010 Agency of the Year;” Holmes Report’s “Agency of the Decade” and “2009 Asia Pacific Consultancy of the Year;” and among Glassdoor’s top five “2011 Best Places to Work.” Visit http://www.edelman.com for more information.

 

About Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an emerging biopharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes proprietary products for the treatment and supportive care of cancer patients. Access’ products include MuGard™ (www.MuGard.com), which has received FDA marketing clearance for the management of patients with mucositis, ProLindac™, a second generation DACH Platinum in Phase 2 clinical testing of patients with ovarian cancer, and Thiarabine™, a novel nucleoside analog that has demonstrated both pre-clinical and clinical activity in certain cancers; currently in a Phase 1/2a trial in hematological malignancies at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.

 

The company also has other advanced drug delivery technologies including CobaCyte™-mediated targeted delivery and CobOral-oral drug delivery, its proprietary nanopolymer delivery technology based on the natural vitamin B12 uptake mechanism.  For additional information on Access Pharmaceuticals, please visit our website at www.accesspharma.com.

 

This press release contains certain statements that are forward-looking within the meaning of Section 27a of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements include those relating to: our cash burn rate, clinical trial plans and timelines and clinical results for ProLindac, MuGard, Thiarabine and Cobalamin and other product candidates, our ability to achieve clinical and commercial success and our ability to successfully develop marketed products. These statements are subject to numerous risks, including but not limited to Access’ need to obtain additional financing in order to continue the clinical trial and operations and to the risks detailed in Access’ Annual Reports on Form 10-K and other reports filed by Access with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Access Pharmaceuticals Receives Initial Purchase Order for MuGard in North America

Company To Ship Over $700,000 Of MuGard To Distribution Partner for Initial Live-Pharmacy And Online Inventory Demand

DALLAS, TX and New York, NY September 14, 2010

ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (OTCBB: ACCP), a biopharmaceutical company specializing in products for cancer and supportive care, announced today it has received its first commercial order for MuGard from BioScrip (Nasdaq: BIOS), its specialty distribution partner.  BioScrip’s initial purchase order of MuGard, totaling over $700,000, will provide adequate inventory for its various distribution channels to support the Company’s first phase of its product launch for MuGard.  Access Pharmaceuticals has inventory on hand and will begin shipping product to BioScrip immediately.  MuGard is an FDA-approved, ready-to-use mucoadhesive oral wound rinse for the management of oral mucositis, a debilitating side effect of radiation and/or chemotherapy.
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Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s Partner Launches Multi-Channel Product Marketing Program For MuGard

DALLAS, TX and NEW YORK, NY July 27, 2010

ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (OTCBB: ACCP), a biopharmaceutical company specializing in products for cancer and supportive care, today announced its e-marketing partner, iMedicor (OTCBB: VMCI) commenced the initial phase of a multi-channel marketing program for MuGard.  iMedicor’s two-pronged marketing approach involves leveraging its direct sales channel through Direct Medical Solutions (DMS) and its online pharma marketing portal to further support Access’ ongoing commercial launch efforts for its lead product.  The initial phase of the marketing program for MuGard includes a targeted sampling program to DMS’ physician network.
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Access Pharmaceuticals Signs Exclusive Specialty Distribution Agreement With BioScrip

Agreement Provides Multi-level Distribution Of Lead Product, Including Inventory In Over 30 Top Metro Areas

DALLAS, TX and NEW YORK, NY July 20, 2010

ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (OTCBB: ACCP), a biopharmaceutical company specializing in products for cancer and supportive care, announced today it has signed an exclusive specialty distribution agreement with BioScrip (Nasdaq: BIOS) for its lead product, MuGard – an FDA-approved, ready-to-use mucoadhesive oral wound rinse for the management of oral mucositis, a debilitating side effect of radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.  The agreement aligns the Company with comprehensive access to BioScrip’s nationwide distribution platform and the ability to leverage the company’s extensive physician relationships, 110 BioScrip specialty pharmacies, mail distribution capability and diversified payor network.
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Access Pharmaceuticals appoints sales and marketing executive

Critical step toward U.S.. marketing launch of MuGard

DALLAS, TX, December 15, 2009

ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (OTCBB: ACCP), today announced the appointment of Frank Jacobucci to the position of Vice President, Sales and Marketing.  Mr. Jacobucci will be primarily responsible for the Company’s marketing launch of MuGard, an FDA approved treatment for oral mucositis, a debilitating side effect of radiation treatment and chemotherapy.  Mr. Jacobucci has over 20 years experience in sales management, including senior sales executive positions at oncology focused companies including MGI Pharma, Genetics Institute, Wyeth Oncology, Aventis, Precision Therapeutics and CRC Oncology Services.  Mr. Jacobucci has significant experience launching pharmaceutical products, with a particular expertise in oral mucositis and related oncology supportive care therapies and also has developed significant experience with MuGard.
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Access Pharmaceuticals signs agreement to manufacture its FDA-approved MuGard in the United States

DALLAS, TX, September 11, 2009

ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (OTCBB: ACCP) has entered into an agreement with a leading commercial manufacturer to produce its FDA-approved MuGard for North American distribution.  One or more U.S. market seeding studies could begin as early as Q4 2009, the company says.
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OneMedPlace.com interviews Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc. CEO, Jeffrey B. Davis

August 17, 2009

Jeffrey B. Davis, Chief Executive Officer of Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTCBB: ACCP) recently conducted an interview with OneMedPlace.com to discuss the clinical success of MuGard and the latest news surrounding the product’s launch.
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Access Pharmaceuticals Announces New MuGard Commercial Strategy in North America

Commences Pre-Marketing Activities While Seeking Big Pharma Partnerships

DALLAS, TX, July 29, 2009

ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (OTCBB: ACCP), announced today that it is evaluating strategic options for the commercialization of MuGard in North America.  MuGard is an FDA approved treatment for oral mucositis, a debilitating side effect of radiation treatment and chemotherapy, and previously announced data suggest that the market for MuGard is significantly greater than previously expected.  Frank Jacobucci, formerly President & CEO of Milestone Biosciences, has joined Access as a consultant, and will assist with ongoing reimbursement, manufacturing and commercial launch activities at Access, while discussions with potential licensee and co-promotion partners is ongoing.
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Access Pharmaceuticals Provides Update on Global Launch of Mugard

New FDA-Approved Treatment for Oral Mucositis

DALLAS, TX, May 27 2009

ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (OTCBB: ACCP), announced today that MuGard , its proprietary oral mucositis product has been launched in Germany, Italy, UK, Greece and the Nordic countries by its European commercial partner, SpePharm , a pan-European specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to the provision of high medical value medicines in supportive and critical care. The Company has previously announced commercialization agreements in North America, China and eight Southeast Asian countries and Korea , and is actively seeking additional marketing partners in other regions; MuGard expects commercial launches in these regions throughout the remainder of 2009 as manufacturing and reimbursement gets established regionally.

MuGard is a ready-to-use mucoadhesive oral wound rinse for the management of oral mucositis, a debilitating side effect of many anticancer treatments. Up to 40% of all patients receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy develop moderate to severe mucositis, and almost all patients receiving radiotherapy for head and neck cancer and those undergoing stem cell transplantation develop mucositis. Updated clinical practice guidelines for the prevention and treatment of mucositis recommend the use of a preventive oral care regimen as part of routine supportive care along with a therapeutic oral care regimen if mucositis develops. The market for the treatment of oral mucositis is estimated to be in excess of $1 billion world-wid e.

MuGard forms a protective coating over the oral mucosa when swirled gently around the mouth. In a comparison of cancer patients receiving standard mucositis care with those patients receiving MuGard, the incidence and severity of mucositis was significantly lower in the MuGard treated group using a validated scale for the assessment of oral mucositis.

“Access is pleased with the commercial launch of MuGard in Europe , and the progress made by our partners in other regions of the world,” said Phillip Wise, Vice President of Business Development at Access.  “Access is also working with its partners outside of Europe to establish GMP manufacturing and secure necessary approvals and/or reimbursement from the individual governmental regulators, which we believe will greatly enhance initial product adoption and ongoing marketing efforts to reach and penetrate the target population of patients requiring this important treatment option,” he continued.

MuGard forms a protective coating over the oral mucosa when swirled gently around the mouth. In a comparison of cancer patients receiving standard mucositis care with those patients receiving MuGard, the incidence and severity of mucositis was significantly lower in the MuGard treated group using a validated scale for the assessment of oral mucositis.

Access Pharmaceuticals Licenses MuGard to Milestone Biosciences, LLC for North America

Transaction Includes $10 Million in Upfront Fees and Milestones

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DALLAS, TX, August 18, 2008

ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (OTCBB: ACCP) and Milestone Biosciences, LLC (“Milestone”) today announced the signing of a definitive license agreement under which Milestone will market Access’ proprietary product MuGard™ in the United States and Canada. Milestone is a company recently started by former executives and sales representatives of companies with an established commercial presence in oncology, including MGI Pharma, Amgen and Genentech. MuGard is used for the management of oral mucositis, a debilitating side effect of many anticancer chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and has already received marketing allowance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Under the terms of the agreement, Milestone will pay Access upfront license fees and subsequent milestone payments that total $10 million along with a double digit royalty upon commercialization of MuGard. Milestone expects to
launch MuGard in the US early in the first quarter of 2009.

“We are pleased to have Milestone as our North American partner for MuGard,” said Jeffrey B. Davis, President & CEO of Access. “Milestone has assembled a team of very experienced pharmaceutical executives with a great track record of commercial success in oncology supportive care, including experience with the oral mucositis market and related chronic dry mouth market. We are excited and confident that this team of experienced executives will successfully launch and commercialize MuGard.”

“MuGard is an important product for Milestone as it gives us a tremendous near term product around which to launch and further grow our sales team. We believe there is a significant un-met medical need for MuGard with solid commercial sales potential,” stated Eric Loukas, CEO of Milestone. “Our seasoned commercial team is excited about the potential for MuGard in the oral mucositis marketplace. We look forward to a long and productive relationship with Access with MuGard, and the potential opportunity to work with them on other products as well.”

About MuGard™:

MuGard is a ready-to-use mucoadhesive oral wound rinse. The mucoadhesive formulation forms a protective coating over the oral mucosa when washed around the mouth. In a comparison of cancer patients receiving standard mucositis care with those patients using MuGard, the incidence and severity of mucositis was significantly lower in the MuGard treated group. Up to 40% of all patients receiving chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy develop moderate to severe mucositis, and almost all patients receiving radiotherapy for head and neck cancer and those undergoing stem cell transplantation develop mucositis. Updated clinical practice guidelines for the prevention and treatment of mucositis recommend the use of a preventive oral care regimen as part of routine supportive care along with a therapeutic oral care regimen if mucositis develops. The market for the treatment of oral mucositis is estimated to be in excess of $1 billion worldwide.

About Milestone:

Milestone Biosciences, LLC is a privately held specialty biotech company with offices in Florida, Minnesota and New Jersey, that focuses on in-licensing and commercializing niche oncology products that would otherwise have limited exposure in the oncology marketplace. Milestone is dedicated to making these products available to patients whose treatment options are limited, or where there are recognized unmet medical needs.

About Access:

Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an emerging biopharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes propriety products for the treatment and supportive care of cancer patients. Access’ products include ProLindac™, currently in Phase 2 clinical testing of patients with ovarian cancer, and MuGard™ for the management of patients with mucositis. The Company also has other advanced drug delivery technologies including Cobalamin™-mediated targeted delivery and oral drug delivery, its proprietary nanopolymer delivery technology based on the natural vitamin B12 uptake mechanism; Angiolix®, a humanized monoclonal antibody which acts as an anti-angiogenesis factor and is targeted to breast cancer; Prodrax®, a non-toxic prodrug which is activated in the hypoxic zones of solid tumors to kill cancer cells; Alchemix, a chemotherapeutic agent that combines multiple modes of action to overcome drug resistance. Access is also developing Phenylbutyrate (“PB”), an HDAC inhibitor and differentiating agent currently a Phase 2 clinical candidate. For additional information on Access Pharmaceuticals, please visit our website at www.accesspharma.com.

This press release contains certain statements that are forward-looking within the meaning of Section 27a of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements include those relating to: our ability to achieve milestone payments relating to MuGard, the timing of the executed launch of MuGard, the value of our products in the market, its ability to achieve clinical and commercial success and its ability to successfully develop marketed products. These statements are subject to numerous risks, including but not limited Access’ need to obtain additional financing in order to continue the clinical trial and operations and to the risks detailed in Access’ Annual Reports on Form 10-K and other reports filed by Access with the Securities and Exchange Commission.