EXHIBIT 23.1

           Consent of Independent Certified Public Accountants



We have issued our report dated March 7, 2003, accompanying the
consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report of
Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc. on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2002. We hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference of said report in the Registration Statements of Access
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. on Form S-3 (File No. 333-37786, File No.
333-52030, File No. 333-95413 and File No. 333-64904) and on Form
S-8 (File No. 33-10626, File No. 33-41134, File No. 333-45646 and
333-75136).




/s/  Grant Thornton LLP
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Grant Thornton LLP


Dallas, Texas
March 7, 2003