Accupac to manufacture Access Pharmaceuticals' MuGard

ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (OTC Bulletin Board: 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.

In a comparison of cancer patients receiving standard oral mucositis care with those patients receiving MuGard , MuGard has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence and severity of the debilitating side effect of radiation treatment and chemotherapy.

Access has contracted with Accupac, Inc. to serve as its commercial manufacturer of MuGard in North America. Accupac manufactures, fills and packages a wide range of consumer commodity, over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription (Rx) products for the world's largest pharmaceutical and consumer products companies.

"Access is moving forward with the development of MuGard in North America," said Jeffrey B. Davis, Access' President & CEO. "Establishing our relationship with Accupac, a leader in liquid contract manufacturing, is critical to our successful commercialization of MuGard. In addition, Access is currently evaluating potential eMarketing partners as well as potential co-promotion or other licensing opportunities."

Access intends to use the initial batches of MuGard in connection with one or more market seeding studies to be conducted in the U.S. pursuant to protocols that are currently being developed. Access hopes to finalize these protocols and begin one or more market seeding studies in Q4 2009.