Access Pharmaceuticals' update on its European commercial launch of Mugard

Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Oct 15 2009

ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (OTC Bulletin Board: ACCP) today provided an update on its European commercial launch of MuGard, an FDA approved treatment for oral mucositis, a debilitating side effect of radiation treatment and chemotherapy. MuGard is commercially launched by Access' partner, SpePharm, in five European countries, having been granted the CE mak certification in October 2008 with the labeling "prevention and management of the lesions and symptoms of oral mucositis." SpePharm is currently gathering feedback from clinicians in the UK, Germany and Italy that are participating in a patient assessment project. SpePharm expects that out of a total of approximately 1500 to 2000 patients who will be assessed in this project, a subset of patient forms will be collected by year end, and aggregated clinician and patient feedback will continue to be available on a rolling basis during the fourth quarter 2009 and 2010. Introduction of MuGard into France, Central and Eastern Europe, the Benelux countries and the rest of Europe is anticipated over the next 12 to 18 months.

"SpePharm is very pleased with the commercial launch of MuGard thus far, and I am happy to report that initial clinician and patient feedback has been very positive," stated Jean-Francois Labbe, SpePharm's President & CEO. "Our intention is to continue to gather clinician and patient feedback, and use this information to expand our presence throughout Europe. MuGard faces limited competition in Europe as traditional palliative solutions offer limited efficacy and/or poor compliance."

"As Access prepares for the MuGard commercial launch in North America, we look forward to close cooperation with our European partner particularly with respect to planned market assessments studies here in the US," stated Jeffrey Davis, Access' President & CEO. "We hope to be able to leverage SpePharm's early experiences around its launch in Europe to jump start our efforts here throughout the remainder of the year and into 2010. Access' recently announced agreements with Accupac in manufacturing and iMedicor with e-marketing and education reflect our commitment to the MuGard launch."