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</HEAD><BODY id=38 bgColor=#ffffff>
<DIV><BR>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>UNITED
STATES</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>WASHINGTON,
D. C. 20549</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>____________</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>FORM
8-K</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>CURRENT
REPORT </STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>Pursuant
to Section 13 or 15(d) of the</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>Securities
Exchange Act Of 1934</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>February
28, 2005</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Date of
Report (Date of earliest event reported)</FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>___________________________________________________________</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 18pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>ACURA
PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">(Exact
Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>___________________________________________________________</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><BR></DIV>
<DIV align=left>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0>
  <TR>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top align=middle
      width="27%"><DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=center><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>State
      of New York</STRONG></FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top align=middle
      width="27%"><DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=center><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>1-10113</STRONG></FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top align=middle
      width="27%"><DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=center><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>11-0853640</STRONG></FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top align=middle
      width="27%"><DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=center><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">(State
      of Other Jurisdiction</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top align=middle
      width="27%"><DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=center><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">(Commission
      File Number)</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top align=middle
      width="27%"><DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=center><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">(I.R.S.
      Employer</FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top align=middle
      width="27%"><DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=center><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">of
      Incorporation)</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top align=middle
    width="27%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top align=middle
      width="27%"><DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=center><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Identification
      Number)</FONT></DIV></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>616
N. North Court, Suite 120</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>Palatine,
Illinois 60067</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">(Address
of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>(847)
705-7709</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">(Registrant&#8217;s
telephone number, including are code)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">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></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><FONT
face=Wingdings>o</FONT><FONT face=Symbol> </FONT>Written communications pursuant
to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol"><FONT
face=Wingdings>o</FONT><FONT face=Symbol> </FONT></FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Soliciting
material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17CFR
240.14a-12)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol"><FONT
face=Wingdings>o</FONT><FONT face=Symbol> </FONT></FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Pre-commencement
communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act
(17CFR240.14d-2(b))</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol"><FONT
face=Wingdings>o</FONT><FONT face=Symbol> </FONT></FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Pre-commencement
communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17CFR
240.13e-</FONT><FONT id=TAB2
style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">4(c))</FONT><FONT
id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV></DIV><BR>
<DIV id=PGBRK style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">
<DIV id=FTR>
<DIV style="WIDTH: 100%" align=left>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV></DIV>
<DIV id=GLFTR style="WIDTH: 100%" align=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #000000; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"></FONT></DIV></DIV>
<DIV id=PN style="PAGE-BREAK-AFTER: always">
<DIV style="WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt" face="Times New Roman"></FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
<HR color=#000000 noShade SIZE=2>
</DIV></DIV>
<DIV id=HDR>
<DIV id=GLHDR style="WIDTH: 100%" align=right><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #000000; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"></FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="WIDTH: 100%" align=left></DIV></DIV></DIV><BR>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>Item
2.02</STRONG></FONT><FONT id=TAB2
style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 63pt">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>Results
of Operations and Financial Condition</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">On
February 28, 2005, Acura Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the "Company") issued a press
release disclosing the financial results for its fourth quarter ended December
31, 2004 and the twelve months ended December 31, 2004. A copy of the Company's
press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 hereto.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG></STRONG></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>Item
9.01</STRONG></FONT><FONT id=TAB2
style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 63pt">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>Financial
Statements and Exhibits.</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV align=left>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0>
  <TR>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top width="10%">
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=justify><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>Exhibit</STRONG></FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top width="85%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top width="10%">
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=justify><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG><U>Number</U></STRONG></FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top width="85%">
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=justify><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG><U>Description</U></STRONG></FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top width="10%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top width="85%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top width="10%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">99.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top width="85%">
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=justify><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Press
      Release dated February 28, 2005 Announcing Results for Fourth Quarter and
      Year ended December 31, 2004.</FONT></DIV></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV></DIV><BR>
<DIV id=PGBRK style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">
<DIV id=FTR>
<DIV style="WIDTH: 100%" align=left>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV></DIV>
<DIV id=GLFTR style="WIDTH: 100%" align=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #000000; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"></FONT></DIV></DIV>
<DIV id=PN style="PAGE-BREAK-AFTER: always">
<DIV style="WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt" face="Times New Roman"></FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
<HR color=#000000 noShade SIZE=2>
</DIV></DIV>
<DIV id=HDR>
<DIV id=GLHDR style="WIDTH: 100%" align=right><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #000000; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"></FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="WIDTH: 100%" align=left></DIV></DIV></DIV><BR>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>SIGNATURES</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">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 thereunto
duly authorized.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" align=center bgColor=#ffffff
border=0>
  <TR vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff>
    <TD width="50%"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="49%"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff>
    <TD><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colSpan=2><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2><STRONG>ACURA
      PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.</STRONG></FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff>
    <TD><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>&nbsp;<BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>&nbsp;<BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>&nbsp;<BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff>
    <TD><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>By:&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>/s/ Peter A. Clemens</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff>
    <TD colSpan=2><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align=left>
      <HR align=left width="80%" color=#000000 noShade SIZE=2>
      <FONT size=2>Peter A. Clemens</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff>
    <TD colSpan=2><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Vice President &amp; Chief
      Financial Officer</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Date:</FONT><FONT
id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">February
28, 2005</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV></DIV><BR>
<DIV id=PGBRK style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">
<DIV id=FTR>
<DIV style="WIDTH: 100%" align=left>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV></DIV>
<DIV id=GLFTR style="WIDTH: 100%" align=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #000000; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"></FONT></DIV></DIV>
<DIV id=PN style="PAGE-BREAK-AFTER: always">
<DIV style="WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt" face="Times New Roman"></FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
<HR color=#000000 noShade SIZE=2>
</DIV></DIV>
<DIV id=HDR>
<DIV id=GLHDR style="WIDTH: 100%" align=right><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #000000; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"></FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="WIDTH: 100%" align=left></DIV></DIV></DIV><BR><BR>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG><U>EXHIBIT
INDEX</U></STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR></DIV>
<DIV align=left>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0>
  <TR>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top width="10%">
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=justify><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>Exhibit</STRONG></FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top width="85%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top width="10%">
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=justify><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG><U>Number</U></STRONG></FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top width="85%">
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=justify><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG><U>Description</U></STRONG></FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top width="10%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top width="85%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top width="10%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">99.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top width="85%">
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=justify><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Press
      Release dated February 28, 2005 Announcing Results for Fourth Quarter and
      Year ended December 31, 2004.</FONT></DIV></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify><BR>&nbsp;</DIV></DIV><BR>
<DIV id=PGBRK style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">
<DIV id=FTR>
<DIV style="WIDTH: 100%" align=left>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV></DIV>
<DIV id=GLFTR style="WIDTH: 100%" align=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #000000; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"></FONT></DIV></DIV>
<DIV id=PN>
<DIV style="WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt" face="Times New Roman"></FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
<HR color=#000000 noShade SIZE=2>
</DIV></DIV>
<DIV id=HDR>
<DIV id=GLHDR style="WIDTH: 100%" align=right><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #000000; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"></FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="WIDTH: 100%" align=left>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=right><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG></STRONG></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV></DIV></DIV></DIV><BR>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=right><STRONG><FONT size=2></FONT></STRONG>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV></DIV></DIV></BODY></HTML>
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "ACURA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC", "cik": "0000786947", "assigned-sic": "2834", "irs-number": "110853640", "state-of-incorporation": "NY", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "8-K", "act": "34", "file-number": "001-10113", "film-number": "05646288"}, "business-address": {"street1": "616 N. NORTH COURT, SUITE 120", "city": "PALATINE", "state": "IL", "zip": "60067", "phone": "847-705-7709"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "616 N. NORTH COURT, SUITE 120", "street2": ".", "city": "PALATINE", "state": "IL", "zip": "60067"}, "former-company": {"former-conformed-name": "HALSEY DRUG CO INC/NEW", "date-changed": "19920703"}}
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
February
28, 2005
Date of
Report (Date of earliest event reported)
___________________________________________________________
ACURA
PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
(Exact
Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
___________________________________________________________
State
      of New York
1-10113
11-0853640
(State
      of Other Jurisdiction
(Commission
      File Number)
(I.R.S.
      Employer
of
      Incorporation)
Identification
      Number)
616
N. North Court, Suite 120
Palatine,
Illinois 60067
(Address
of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(847)
705-7709
(Registrant's
telephone number, including are code)
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):
o
Written communications pursuant
to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
o
Soliciting
material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17CFR
240.14a-12)
o
Pre-commencement
communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act
(17CFR240.14d-2(b))
o
Pre-commencement
communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17CFR
240.13e-
4(c))
Item
2.02
Results
of Operations and Financial Condition
On
February 28, 2005, Acura Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the "Company") issued a press
release disclosing the financial results for its fourth quarter ended December
31, 2004 and the twelve months ended December 31, 2004. A copy of the Company's
press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 hereto.
Item
9.01
Financial
Statements and Exhibits.
Exhibit
Number
Description
99.1
Press
      Release dated February 28, 2005 Announcing Results for Fourth Quarter and
      Year ended December 31, 2004.
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 thereunto
duly authorized.
ACURA
      PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
By:
/s/ Peter A. Clemens
Peter A. Clemens
Vice President & Chief
      Financial Officer
Date:
February
28, 2005
EXHIBIT
INDEX
Exhibit
Number
Description
99.1
Press
      Release dated February 28, 2005 Announcing Results for Fourth Quarter and
      Year ended December 31, 2004.