Access Pharmaceuticals Presents new Combination Data on the Company’s Angiolix(R) Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibody

New data demonstrates that Angiolix has similar efficacy to Avastin alone and in combination with other chemotherapeutics, with potentially less side-effects; study validates results seen in Previous Breast Cancer Model

DALLAS, Jan. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (OTC Bulletin Board: ACCP) presented new data this week on its proprietary humanized monoclonal antibody, Angiolix, which confirmed that Angiolix(R) binds with high affinity to the its target, lactadherin, resulting in anti-angiogenesis and significant tumor growth inhibition in MCF-7 and MX-1 breast cancer xenografts. Its anticancer activity is greatly enhanced when given in combination with chemotherapy. The efficacies determined for Angiolix combinations were comparable to those of Avastin combinations. The mechanism of action of Angiolix is considerably more tumor specific than that of Avastin, potentially giving fewer adverse side-effects. The preclinical studies were conducted at Imperial College London and presented at the International Congress on Anti-Cancer Treatment, a World Leading Educational Congress, held in Paris, France, Palais des Congres 3rd – 6th February 2009.

Data was also presented on the ability of Angiolix to bind to various proteins. Dr. Agamemnon Epenetos, Access Pharmaceuticals’ Chief Scientific Officer, Europe explained, “Competitive binding experiments with a variety of ligands shows that Angiolix binds lactadherin selectively. This provides an excellent insight into Angiolix’s tumor selective mechanism. Angiolix(R) is a promising novel agent for anti-angiogenic cancer therapy. Angiolix has proven to be an effective anticancer drug candidate, in preclinical trials, that is much more tumor specific than Avastin, because it has a tumor specific target. By comparison, Avastin binds VEGF which is widely expressed by many normal tissues and supports many essential physiological functions.”

“We are delighted with these results which demonstrate that Angiolix is at least equally effective as Avastin with regard to efficacy, but may prove to be much less toxic. Given the widespread use of antiangiogenesis compounds in treating cancer, there is clearly a need to bring a more tumor selective product like Angiolix to the market,” stated Jeffrey B. Davis, President & CEO. “The data package we have on this product is attracting a lot of interest, and we are in active discussion with a number of potential partners regarding the further clinical development of Angiolix.”

About Angiolix:

Angiolix is a novel humanized monoclonal antibody which has considerable potential for the treatment of cancer through its affinity for a novel target, lactadherin. Lactadherin is an extracellular matrix protein that is released by numerous types of tumor cells, including most breast cancers, ovarian cancers and prostate cancer. Lactadherin has a critical role in promoting the growth of new blood vessels to support tumor growth through the activation of VEGF-mediated angiogenesis.

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(TM), currently in Phase 2 clinical testing of patients with ovarian cancer, and MuGard(TM) for the management of patients with mucositis. The company also has other advanced drug delivery technologies including Cobalamin(TM)-mediated targeted delivery and oral drug delivery, its proprietary nanopolymer delivery technology based on the natural vitamin B12 uptake mechanism; Angiolix(R), a humanized monoclonal antibody which acts as an anti-angiogenesis factor and is targeted to breast cancer; Prodrax(R), 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 close the financing transaction, early results from our clinical trial, Access’ plans to continue and initiate clinical trials, the value of its 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 and MacroChem with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc.