WAYNE, PA, USA I October 20, 2020 I Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACRS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel drug candidates for immuno-inflammatory diseases, today announced that the first patient has been dosed in Aclaris’ Phase 2a clinical trial of ATI-1777, an investigational topical “soft” Janus kinase (JAK) 1/3 inhibitor, for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD). ATI-1777 was developed internally utilizing Aclaris’ proprietary KINect™ drug discovery platform.

“We are excited about progressing this drug candidate into the clinic,” said Dr. David Gordon, Chief Medical Officer of Aclaris. “This trial is an important first step in the clinical development of ATI-1777 and we hope to establish that a topical JAK inhibitor can safely and effectively treat AD while limiting systemic exposure.”

The Phase 2a trial is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, parallel-group trial to determine the efficacy, safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of ATI-1777 in subjects with moderate or severe AD. Subjects will apply ATI-1777 or vehicle twice daily for 28 days. Aclaris’ planned enrollment for this trial is approximately 42 subjects and the trial will be conducted in the U.S. The primary endpoint is the percentage change from baseline in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score at week 4.

About ATI-1777

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.

About Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc.

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. For additional information, please visit www.aclaristx.com.

SOURCE: Aclaris Therapeutics