Aclaris Therapeutics (ACRS) Guggenheim Securities 2nd Annual Healthcare Innovation Conference summary

Company positioning and research strategy

• Focuses on developing large and small molecule therapeutics for immunoinflammatory diseases, leveraging a drug discovery platform built by ex-Pfizer scientists.

• Pipeline includes oral small molecules (notably 2138, an ITK JAK3 inhibitor) and next-generation ITK inhibitors approaching IND stage.

• In-licensed two biologics (TSLP MAB and TSLP IL4R bispecific) now in clinical development.

• Multidisciplinary team with extensive experience in drug development.

• Anticipates significant catalysts in 2026 as multiple programs advance.

Atopic dermatitis and TSLP program insights

• Chose atopic dermatitis (AD) for 2138 due to mechanism fit and promising 12-week patient data, opening new indication opportunities.

• TSLP MAB program targets AD due to competitive respiratory space and partnership limitations outside China.

• TSLP MAB study is actively enrolling, with data expected in the second half of 2026.

• Molecule is 70x more potent than Tezspire, aiming for higher efficacy in skin applications.

• Internal excitement driven by strong open-label results from a prior BiOcean study in AD.

Clinical development and differentiation

• 2138 demonstrated strong efficacy and safety in AD, with potential to expand into indications like alopecia areata, vitiligo, lichen planus, and scarring alopecia.

• Next-gen ITK inhibitors are considered highly potent and potentially game-changing, with QD dosing possible.

• Differentiation from competitors centers on higher potency and broader immune pathway targeting (ITK and TXK for TH2 and TH1).

• Safety profile for selective ITK inhibition expected to be similar to other immunosuppressive classes, with mild adverse event potential.