Access Pharmaceuticals

About Access Pharmaceuticals

Founded in 1974, Access Pharmaceuticals began its journey with a clear playbook: build a diversified pipeline to de-risk the volatile world of biotech. The company focused on developing treatments for oncology and supportive care, leveraging proprietary drug delivery platforms. This strategy aimed to create multiple shots on goal, a necessity for a small cap company navigating the long and expensive road of clinical trials. The company, led by executives like Jeffrey B. Davis, aggressively expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions. In 2008, Access acquired Somanta Pharmaceuticals, adding four novel anti-cancer compounds to its pipeline. This was quickly followed by the acquisition of MacroChem in 2009, which brought in late-stage clinical candidates in both oncology and dermatology. These moves were financed through several funding rounds, including a $6 million registered direct offering in 2010, to fuel its development and commercialization efforts. The final chapter for Access Pharmaceuticals was one of complete transformation. In October 2014, the company changed its name to PlasmaTech Biopharmaceuticals. This was followed by another name change in June 2015, when it became Abeona Therapeutics, marking a strategic pivot and the conclusion of the Access Pharmaceuticals story as it merged into a new entity with a different focus.