Aclaris Therapeutics Inc. is focused on advancing the treatment of immuno-inflammatory diseases through innovative drug discovery, particularly by exploring the kinome, which encompasses a significant collection of protein kinases that play crucial roles in cellular signaling and function. The company aims to develop kinase inhibitors that target key enzymes involved in chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. By addressing the gaps in existing treatments, Aclaris is committed to creating effective therapies for conditions that currently lack satisfactory options. Their approach leverages the understanding of kinase dysregulation, which can lead to various diseases, making these proteins vital targets for drug development.

Central to Aclaris's research is their proprietary KINect® platform, which accelerates the identification and optimization of drug candidates. This platform utilizes a specialized chemical library of kinase inhibitors and advanced drug modeling techniques to create compounds that selectively bind to specific kinases. The KINect® platform allows for rapid discovery of novel drug candidates, significantly reducing the time required compared to traditional methods. Aclaris is currently developing several investigational drugs, including topical and oral inhibitors targeting specific kinases involved in immune regulation and cancer progression, with the potential to offer new therapeutic options for patients with unmet medical needs.

United States

Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a pipeline of novel drug candidates to address the needs of patients with immuno-inflammatory diseases who lack satisfactory treatment options. The company has a multi-stage portfolio of drug candidates powered by a robust R&D engine exploring protein kinase regulation.


Immune System Diseases

Inflammatory disorders

Aclaris Therapeutics Inc.

Atopic dermatitis

Skin disease/disorder

ATI-1777 is an investigational topical “soft” Janus kinase (JAK) 1/3 inhibitor. “Soft” JAK inhibitors are designed to provide JAK inhibition at the site of application and be rapidly metabolized in the systemic circulation. Aclaris plans to develop ATI-1777 as an emollient-containing spray formulation. Aclaris is developing ATI-1777 as a potential treatment for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.

ATI-1777 (JAK 1/3 inhibitor)

Psoriatic arthritis

Zunsemetinib (ATI-450) (MK2 inhibitor) 

Autoimmune disease

Ulcerative colitis

ATI-2138 (ITK/JAK3 inhibitor)

ATI-2138

Asthma

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Bosakitug (ATI-045)

Cancer

Metastatic breast cancer

Pancreatic cancer

Solid tumor/s

ATI-2231 (MK2 inhibitor)

ATI-052 is a potential best-in-class, pre-clinical stage, novel bispecific antibody that is directed against both TSLP and IL4R.

ATI-052

COVID-19

ATI-450 is an investigational oral mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinase 2 (MK2) inhibitor in Phase 2 clinical development. This mechanism leads to the inhibition of multiple cytokines, chemokines, matrix metalloproteases and other inflammatory signals. Key inflammatory cytokines driven by this mechanism include tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin-1α, -1β, -6 and -8 (IL1α, IL1β, IL6 and IL8). Aclaris is developing ATI-450 as a potential treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and other immuno-inflammatory diseases and is a COVID therapy candidate.

Zunsemetinib (ATI-450) 

Rheumatoid arthritis

ATI-450 is an investigational oral small molecule inhibitor of the p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinase 2 (MK2) inflammatory signaling pathway. This pathway drives the expression of multiple cytokines, chemokines, matrix metalloproteases and other inflammatory signals. Key inflammatory cytokines driven by this pathway include tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-1α and -1β (IL1α and IL1β), and interleukin-6 (IL6). On the basis of this mechanism, Aclaris is developing ATI-450 as a potential treatment for immuno-inflammatory diseases.

Aclaris Therapeutics Inc.

Company Details