EXHIBIT 23.1

       Consent of Independent Certified Public Accountants



We have issued our report dated February 22, 2002, accompanying the
consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report of Access
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2001. 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 28, 2002