Release issued 12th November 2002

DALLAS, TEXAS, November 12, 2002, ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (AMEX: AKC) today announced financial results for its third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2002. The Company reported a net loss of $2,858,000, or $0.22 per share, for the third quarter as compared to a net loss of $1,744,000 or $0.13 per share, for the corresponding quarter in 2001. The net loss for the nine- month period ended September 30, 2002 was $7,032,000, or $0.54 per share compared with a net loss of $4,432,000, or $0.34 per share for the corresponding period in 2001.

Revenue for the third quarter ended September 30, 2002 was $91,000 compared to $11,000 in the same period in 2001. Operating expenses increased $911,000 in the third quarter of 2002 to $2,766,000. Research and development expenses increased $886,000 accounting for the majority of this increase. The development costs associated with our OraDiscTM Phase III clinical study ($700,000) and additional costs associated with our organization expansion, principally the acquisition of the Australian subsidiary ($145,000) are the principal components of this increase. The loss from operations in 2002 was $2,675,000, an increase of $831,000 over the prior year. Contributing to the net loss was a $283,000 increase in net interest expense due to reduced cash balances and lower interest rates.

Revenue for the first nine months of 2002 was $470,000, an increase of $238,000 over the prior year, principally due to Zindaclin licensing payments. The advancement of Access' clinical development candidates and expansion of its research and development capabilities are the principal reasons operating expenses increased $2,036,000 over the prior nine month period to $7,026,000. Research and development

expenses increased $1,885,000 in the nine month period, of which incremental development costs associated with our Phase III OraDiscTM clinical study and our polymer platinate program accounted for $1,306,000 of this increase. Compensation expense resulting from expanded internal capabilities contributed $443,000 to this expense increase. General and administration expenses for the first nine months increased $163,000 to $1,519,000 as a result of increased compensation expense ($128,000) and higher rent expense ($69,000). Contributing to the increased net loss was an increase in net interest expense of $802,000 for the reasons outlined above.

Commenting on the results, Kerry P. Gray, President and CEO of Access stated, "The incremental expenses reflect the advancement of our clinical development candidates. The expenses are in line with our business plan. The expansion of our organization has not only reduced the expenses that would have been incurred if external groups had been used but has given us greater control over product developments which has accelerated our development activities."

Progress since our last quarterly report included:

 Completing the acquisition of amlexanox from GlaxoSmithKline.  Completing 80% of the enrollment of our 700 patient Phase III OraDiscTM clinical study.  Completion of the pre-clinical program necessary to advance polymer platinate AP5346 to clinical development.  Presenting tumor targeting data utilizing our vitamin mediated targeted delivery technology at the 2nd International Symposium on Tumor Targeted Delivery Systems.  Presenting polymer platinate AP5346 pre-clinical data at the 2nd International Symposium on Tumor Targeted Delivery Systems.

Mr. Gray added, "Now that the acquisition of amlexanox has been completed, revenues from the US market will be reported commencing in the fourth quarter. With anticipated product and licensing revenues from both Zindaclin® and amlexanox, our fourth quarter revenues from marketed products should become a sustainable revenue source for the Company."

Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an emerging pharmaceutical company focused on developing both novel low development risk product candidates and technologies with longer-term major product opportunities

Access markets Aphthasol®, the only FDA-approved product for the treatment of canker sores, and is developing products for mucositis and other dermatological indications. Access is also developing unique polymer platinates for use in the treatment of cancer and has developed, in conjunction with its partner Strakan, Ltd., the marketed product Zindaclin®, which utilizes ResiDerm®, its topical zinc delivery system that provides rapid delivery and reservoir of a drug in the skin.

This press release contains certain statements that are forward-looking and that involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the uncertainties associated with research and development activities, clinical trials, our ability to raise capital, the integration of acquired companies and technologies, the timing of regulatory approvals, dependence on others, collaborations, future cash flow, the timing and receipt of licensing revenues, the future success of the Company's marketed products Aphthasol® and Zindaclin® and products in development including polymer platinate, OraDiscTM and the Mucositis technology and other risks detailed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, and other reports filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(14th January 2003) ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS REPORTS THAT EXECUTED AMLEXANOX LICENSING AGREEMENTS COULD GENERATE $6.7 MILLION IN UP-FRONT LICENSING FEES AND MILESTONE PAYMENTS - Amlexanox Revenues Commenced in the 4Q2002

(14th January 2003) ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. TO CONDUCT CONFERENCE CALL - Company To Discuss Today's Announcements

(14th January 2003) ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. SIGNS AMLEXANOX LICENSING AGREEMENT WITH ZAMBON GROUP

(19th December 2002) ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC., ANNOUNCES ZINDACLIN® RECEIVES APPROVAL IN EIGHT ADDITIONAL EUROPEAN MARKETS - Additional License Agreements Executed

(11th December 2002) ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. ANNOUNCES BOARD APPOINTMENT