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<P id=PARA1 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>UNITED STATES</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA2 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA3 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549</B></FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA5 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>FORM 8-K</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA6 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA7 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>CURRENT REPORT</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA8 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA9 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA10 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): </B><B>August 19, 2015</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA11 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA12 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 24pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>ACELRX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA13 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA22 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>001-35068</B></FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA24 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>41-2193603</B></FONT></P></TD></TR>
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<P id=PARA25 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">(State of incorporation)</FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA27 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">(Commission File No.)</FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA29 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">(IRS Employer Identification No.)</FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P id=PARA31 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA32 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>351 Galveston Drive </B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA34 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Redwood City, CA 94063 </B></FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA37 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Registrant&#8217;s telephone number, including area code:</FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B> </B></FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>(650) 216-3500 </B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA38 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA39 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA41 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&#9744;</FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"> Written communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA43 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&#9744;</FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"> Soliciting material pursuant to Rule&nbsp;14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA45 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&#9744;</FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"> Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA47 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&#9744;</FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"> Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA53 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Item </B><B>4</B><B>.01.</B></FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA54 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Change in Registrant&#8217;s Certifying Accountants</B><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P id=PARA57 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA58 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 48.95pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">(a) Dismissal of Ernst &amp; Young LLP</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA61 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA62 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 24.5pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the &#8220;Audit Committee&#8221;) of AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the &#8220;Company&#8221;) has completed a competitive process to review the appointment of the Company&#8217;s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December&nbsp;31, 2015.</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA63 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 24.5pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA64 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 24.5pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">As a result of this process, on August 19, 2015, the Audit Committee of the Company dismissed Ernst &amp; Young LLP (&#8220;E&amp;Y&#8221;), the independent registered public accounting firm previously engaged to audit the Company&#8217;s financial statements, effective immediately.</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA66 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA68 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA67 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 48.95pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">E&amp;Y&#8217;s reports on the Company&#8217;s financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles. </FONT></P>
<P id=PARA70 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA72 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA71 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 48.95pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">In connection with the audits of the Company&#8217;s financial statements for the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014, and in the subsequent interim period through August 19, 2015, there were no disagreements with E&amp;Y on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statements disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to E&amp;Y&#8217;s satisfaction, would have caused E&amp;Y to make reference thereto in its reports on the financial statements for such years. During the period described in the preceding sentence, there were no &#8220;reportable events&#8221; (as defined in the Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-K, Item 304 (a)(1)(v)).</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA74 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA73 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 48.95pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA75 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 24.5pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">The Company provided E&amp;Y with a copy of this Form 8-K prior to its filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission and requested E&amp;Y to furnish a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission stating whether it agrees with the above statements. A copy of E&amp;Y&#8217;s letter dated August 21, 2015 is filed as Exhibit&nbsp;16.1 to this Form&nbsp;8-K.</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA77 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA76 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 48.95pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA78 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">(b)&nbsp; <U>Engagement of OUM &amp; Co. LLP</U></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA79 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA80 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 48.95pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">On August 20, 2015, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company engaged OUM &amp; Co. LLP (&#8220;OUM&#8221;) as the Company&#8217;s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December&nbsp;31, 2015.&nbsp; During the Company&#8217;s two most recent fiscal years ended December&nbsp;31, 2013 and December&nbsp;31, 2014 and through the date of this Form 8-K, neither the Company nor anyone acting on its behalf consulted with OUM regarding either:&nbsp; (i) the application of accounting principles to a specific transaction, either completed or proposed; or (ii) the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company&#8217;s financial statements, and OUM did not provide any written report or oral advice that OUM concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to any such accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or (ii) any matter that was the subject of a disagreement or event identified in response to paragraph 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions to that Item.</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA83 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA85 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA84 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 48.95pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">The Company has requested that OUM review this Form 8-K and provided OUM the opportunity to furnish a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission containing any new information, clarification of the Company&#8217;s expression of its views, or the respects in which it does not agree with the statements made by the Company.&nbsp;OUM has advised the Company that it has reviewed this Form 8-K and has no basis on which to submit a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission in response to Item 304 of Regulation S-K.</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA88 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Item 9.01.</B></FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA89 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Financial Statements and Exhibits. </B></FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
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<P id=PARA93 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Exhibit</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA94 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Number</B></FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA95 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Description</B></FONT></P></TD></TR>
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<P id=PARA96 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">16.1</FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA97 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Letter of Ernst &amp; Young LLP dated August 21, 2015, furnished herewith.</FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
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<P id=PARA101 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA102 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA108 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Date: August 21, 2015</FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA109 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">ACELRX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.</FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"></FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA113 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">By:&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA114 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">/s/ Timothy E. Morris</FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA118 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Timothy E. Morris&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
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acrx20150821_8k.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
August 19, 2015
ACELRX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE
001-35068
41-2193603
(State of incorporation)
(Commission File No.)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
351 Galveston Drive
Redwood City, CA 94063
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(650) 216-3500
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
☐
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
☐
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
☐
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
☐
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Item
4
.01.
Change in Registrant's Certifying Accountants
(a) Dismissal of Ernst & Young LLP
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Audit Committee") of AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the "Company") has completed a competitive process to review the appointment of the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2015.
As a result of this process, on August 19, 2015, the Audit Committee of the Company dismissed Ernst & Young LLP ("E&Y"), the independent registered public accounting firm previously engaged to audit the Company's financial statements, effective immediately.
E&Y's reports on the Company's financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.
In connection with the audits of the Company's financial statements for the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014, and in the subsequent interim period through August 19, 2015, there were no disagreements with E&Y on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statements disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to E&Y's satisfaction, would have caused E&Y to make reference thereto in its reports on the financial statements for such years. During the period described in the preceding sentence, there were no "reportable events" (as defined in the Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-K, Item 304 (a)(1)(v)).
The Company provided E&Y with a copy of this Form 8-K prior to its filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission and requested E&Y to furnish a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission stating whether it agrees with the above statements. A copy of E&Y's letter dated August 21, 2015 is filed as Exhibit 16.1 to this Form 8-K.
(b)
Engagement of OUM & Co. LLP
On August 20, 2015, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company engaged OUM & Co. LLP ("OUM") as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015.  During the Company's two most recent fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014 and through the date of this Form 8-K, neither the Company nor anyone acting on its behalf consulted with OUM regarding either:  (i) the application of accounting principles to a specific transaction, either completed or proposed; or (ii) the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company's financial statements, and OUM did not provide any written report or oral advice that OUM concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to any such accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or (ii) any matter that was the subject of a disagreement or event identified in response to paragraph 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions to that Item.
The Company has requested that OUM review this Form 8-K and provided OUM the opportunity to furnish a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission containing any new information, clarification of the Company's expression of its views, or the respects in which it does not agree with the statements made by the Company. OUM has advised the Company that it has reviewed this Form 8-K and has no basis on which to submit a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission in response to Item 304 of Regulation S-K.
Item 9.01.
Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits.
Exhibit
Number
Description
16.1
Letter of Ernst & Young LLP dated August 21, 2015, furnished herewith.
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Date: August 21, 2015
ACELRX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
By:
/s/ Timothy E. Morris
Timothy E. Morris
Chief Financial Officer