NEW YORK, April 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- ACCESS
PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (OTCBB: ACCP) provided investors with a
strategic update on its programs and plans for its proprietary
mucoadhesive hydrogel platform technology. Access' patented
technology surrounds a unique aqueous pseudoplastic liquid with a
defined viscosity range, which is beneficial to the treatment of
disorders of mucosal tissue, and includes the ability to act as a
delivery system for a variety of active agents, including
drugs.
The mucoadhesive hydrogel technology is the basis for its
product MuGard® which is indicated for conditions of the
oral mucosa, including oral mucositis, and Access Pharmaceuticals
is expanding its potential application in other mucosal tissues
including the esophagus, the lower intestinal tract and the vagina.
The Company is exploring formulations with active agents that may
include anesthetics, such as benzocaine, anti-fungal agents,
anti-inflammatory drugs and medical foods and supplements.
Combinations of Access' technology and active agents could take
advantage of expedited regulatory pathways, such as the 505(b)(2)
and 510(k) pathways, and offer extended patent protection for
generic agents or those soon to lose patent protection.
"Access has recently filed for expanded patent protection of its
mucoadhesive polymer hydrogel technology and is engaged with
regulatory consultants and bodies on the identification of
appropriate pathways for a number of MuGard® follow-on
products," stated Jeffrey B. Davis,
President and CEO of Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc. "The recently
announced ProctiGard™ program, for radiation proctitis, is the
first of a number of product programs that highlights the power of
this drug delivery platform."
About MuGard: MuGard® Mucoadhesive Oral
Wound Rinse is indicated for the management of oral
mucositis/stomatitis (that may be caused by radiotherapy and/or
chemotherapy) and all types of oral wounds (mouth sores and
injuries), including aphthous ulcers/canker sores and traumatic
ulcers, such as those caused by oral surgery or ill-fitting
dentures or braces. MuGard is available by prescription only and is
contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of
the ingredients in the formulation. MuGard received 510(k)
clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is
marketed by AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in the United States, RHEI/Jian An
Pharmaceuticals in China, and
Hanmi Pharmaceuticals in Korea. Clinical data on
MuGard®, entitled "Multi-Institutional, Randomized,
Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial to Assess the Efficacy of a
Mucoadhesive Hydrogel (MuGard) in Mitigating Oral Mucositis Symptom
in Patients being treated With Chemoradiation Therapy for Cancers
of the Head and Neck," was recently published online at
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cncr.28553/full.
About Access: Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an emerging
biopharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes
proprietary products for the treatment and supportive care of
cancer patients. Access developed MuGard and is developing multiple
follow-on products including ProctiGard™. Access 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 MuGard
and Cobalamin, 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.
Company and Media Contact:
Christine Berni
Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(212) 786-6208
SOURCE Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc.