EXHIBIT
23.1
CONSENT
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We have
issued our report dated March 22, 2010, accompanying the consolidated financial
statements included in the Annual Report of Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc. on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. We hereby consent to the
incorporation by reference of said report in the Registration Statements of
Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc. on Form S-1 (File Nos. 333-162687, 333-149633,
333-125349, and 333-135734), Form S-4 (File Nos. 333-155885 and 333-143587), and
Form S-8 (File Nos. 333-45646, 333-75136, 333-125796, and
333-114269).
/s/
Whitley Penn LLP
Dallas,
Texas
March 22,
2010