Exhibit 99.1


                         News Release
                                               123 Saginaw Drive
                                          Redwood City, CA 94063
Contacts:
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates
Investor relations:
Bruce Voss (bvoss@lhai.com)
Martin Halsall (mhalsall@lhai.com)                      Company:
(310) 691-7100                                   Gordon Sangster
Financial media:                                  (650) 366-2626
Pamela Rigler (prigler@lhai.com)
(212) 838-3777


          ADVANCED POLYMER SYSTEMS CHANGES NAME TO AP PHARMA

   Company common stock to trade on Nasdaq under the symbol APPA
               New name reflects new Company strategy

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. (May 14, 2001) - Advanced Polymer Systems,
Inc. (Nasdaq NM: APOS), a specialty pharmaceutical company,
today reported that shareholders have approved a change in the
Company's name to AP Pharma, Inc.

The resolution to change the corporate name was passed at the
Annual Shareholders' Meeting held on May 9, 2001.  Effective
with the opening of trading on May 14, 2001, shares of the
Company's common stock will trade on the Nasdaq National Market
under the ticker symbol APPA.  The new corporate web address is
www.appharma.com

"This name change is the most recent and most visible sign of
our new strategic focus - the development of ethical
pharmaceutical products using our proprietary drug delivery
systems," commented Michael O'Connell, president and chief
executive officer of AP Pharma.  "One of our proprietary drug
delivery technologies is currently utilized in two FDA-approved
topical pharmaceutical products which are licensed to marketing
partners Johnson & Johnson's Ortho-Dermatological and Dermik
Laboratories, an Aventis company.  Additionally, we are making
solid progress with the development of our bioerodible
Biochronomer(TM) systems, which are specifically designed for
the controlled release of drugs into various sites such as under
the skin, in muscle or in the peritoneal cavity and offer
potential for use in a broad array of pharmaceutical products.
We are close to completing preliminary toxicology studies and
have initiated GMP production.  Pre-clinical trials are underway
in anticipation of filing an IND this year."

Mr. O'Connell continued, "Our strategic focus is two-fold.  We
have a new platform of bioerodible technologies in the drug
delivery arena which we plan to partner in exchange for
tradional license fees, royalties and milestone payments.  The
second part of the Company's strategy is a product development
program, through which we plan to develop specific products
through partnerships, sharing risks and profits.  We believe
there are significant opportunities and growth potential for our
new bioerodible technologies.  Potential pharmaceutical
applications include pain management, inflammation, oncology,
ophthalmic and orthopedic applications, as well as the delivery
of therapeutic proteins, peptides and DNA."

About AP Pharma

AP Pharma is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the
development of ethical (prescription) pharmaceuticals utilizing
its proprietary polymer-based drug delivery systems.  The
Company's primary focus is the development and commercialization
of its bioerodible injectable and implantable systems under the
trade name Biochronomer?.  Initial targeted areas of application
for the Company's drug delivery technology include pain
management, inflammation, oncology, and ophthalmic and
orthopedic applications.  The Company's product development
programs are funded by royalties from topical products currently
marketed by pharmaceutical partners, and proceeds from the
divestiture of its cosmeceutical product lines.  For further
information visit the Company's Website at www.appharma.com

Forward-looking Statements
Except for historical information, this news release contains
certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties, including among others, uncertainty associated
with timely development, approval, launch and acceptance of new
products, establishment of new corporate alliances and progress
in research and development programs.  Other risks and
uncertainties associated with the Company's business and
prospects are identified in the Company's filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.  The Company does not
undertake to revise these forward-looking statements to reflect
events or circumstances occurring in the future.