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§ Public · Malvern, PA, USA
clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel drug candidates for immuno-inflammatory diseases, focused on dermatology.
Aclaris Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Malvern, Pennsylvania, that discovers and develops targeted small-molecule therapies for immuno-inflammatory diseases. Operating as a publicly traded entity on the NASDAQ under the ticker ACRS, the enterprise utilizes its proprietary KINect drug discovery platform to develop treatments for immunology and dermatology indications. Following unsuccessful Phase 2b clinical trial results for its lead rheumatoid arthritis candidate in late 2023, the organization implemented a strategic restructuring that included a 46 percent workforce reduction, leaving a headcount of approximately 30 to 50 employees. The company's leadership and board have included notable industry figures such as former chief executive officer Douglas Manion, current president Hugh Davis, and Forge Life Science Partners director Anand Mehra. Aclaris Therapeutics was founded in 2012 by Neal Walker, Kamil Ali-Jackson, Christopher Powala, Stuart Shanler, and Stephen Tullko.
Aclaris Therapeutics has raised $82.0M across 3 funding rounds.
Aclaris Therapeutics has raised $82.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Aclaris Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in drug discovery and development, leveraging expertise in kinase inhibition to create novel small and large molecule drugs for underserved immuno-inflammatory conditions, including dermatology and autoimmune diseases.[1][5] It develops therapies targeting chronic inflammation, hair conditions, and related areas through its proprietary KINect® platform, which accelerates kinase inhibitor identification, and operates Confluence Discovery Technologies as a contract research organization supporting pharma and biotech partners.[1][4] The company serves patients lacking satisfactory treatment options and partners across therapeutic areas, addressing "white spaces" in immuno-inflammatory diseases with biologics like monoclonal and bispecific antibodies.[1][3]
Aclaris also markets dermatology products such as sunscreens (e.g., Photon Zio SPF 50), acne treatments (e.g., Banzit Cleanser), hair regrowth solutions (e.g., Follicapil), and tablets (e.g., Neostreta MD with antioxidants), indicating commercial presence in consumer skincare alongside its R&D pipeline.[2]
Founded by experts like Dr. Neal Walker, Co-founder and Chair of the Board, Aclaris emerged from a focus on translating scientific discoveries into therapies for dermatology and immuno-inflammatory conditions.[1][5] The company's idea stemmed from identifying gaps in treatments for chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases, building on proprietary technologies like the KINect® platform to explore the kinome—518 protein kinases regulating cellular responses.[1][4] Early traction came through kinome innovation and the establishment of Confluence Discovery Technologies, a full-service CRO providing expertise in cell biology, immunology, and medicinal chemistry to external partners.[1] Pivotal moments include advancing a pipeline of JAK inhibitors and biologics, with recent updates in late 2025 signaling ongoing progress in drug candidates for dermatology and immunology.[5][6]
Aclaris rides the trend of kinome expansion in biopharma, targeting the vast untapped portion of 518 kinases for inflammation and oncology, where current inhibitors cover only a fraction, amid rising demand for precision therapies in autoimmune and dermatologic diseases.[1][4] Timing aligns with advances in biologics and bispecific antibodies, enabling dual-targeting for complex immune pathways, while market forces like unmet needs in "white spaces" (e.g., chronic inflammation, hair loss) favor nimble biotechs over big pharma.[3][5] It influences the ecosystem by operating Confluence as a CRO, partnering with industry players and fostering innovation in drug discovery across gene families.[1]
Aclaris is poised to advance its dermatology/immunology pipeline, including JAK inhibitors and biologics, with recent 2025 updates suggesting near-term clinical milestones and potential partnerships via Confluence.[5][6] Trends like kinome-targeted therapies and bispecifics will shape its path, potentially expanding into oncology metastasis amid growing immuno-oncology demand. Its influence may evolve from niche innovator to broader ecosystem enabler, bridging discovery gaps for underserved patients—turning scientific expertise into tangible therapeutic wins.[1][4]
Aclaris Therapeutics has raised $82.0M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $40.0M Series C in September 2015.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 1, 2015 | $40M Series C | — | F Prime Capital, Frazier Healthcare Partners | Announced |
| Oct 1, 2014 | $21M Series B | — | F Prime Capital, Frazier Healthcare Partners, F Prime Capital, Sofinnova Investments, Vivo Ventures | Announced |
| Oct 1, 2012 | $21M Series A | Ketan Patel, Albert CHA | F Prime Capital, Frazier Healthcare Partners, Sofinnova Investments | Announced |
Aclaris Therapeutics has raised $82.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Aclaris Therapeutics's investors include F-Prime Capital Partners, Frazier Healthcare Partners, F-Prime Capital, Sofinnova Ventures, Vivo Ventures, Ketan Patel, Albert Cha.