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

December 16, 2010
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 area 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 5.02        Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

(e)

On December 16, 2010 we awarded cash bonuses to the executive officers listed below, in the amounts provided:


Name
Title
  Bonus Award
Andrew D. Reddick
President and Chief Executive Officer
  $124,000
Robert B. Jones
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
  $99,000
Peter A. Clemens
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  $88,000
Albert W. Brzeczko
Vice President, Technical Affairs
  $47,000
Robert A. Seiser
Vice President, Controller and Treasurer
  $28,000
James F. Emigh
Vice President, Marketing and Administration
  $24,000



 
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.  
       
Date: December 16, 2010
By:
/s/ Peter A. Clemens  
    Peter A. Clemens  
    Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer