Aclaris Therapeutics (ACRS)
Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapies for immune-inflammatory diseases. The company operates through Therapeutics and Contract Research segments, targeting unmet needs in dermatology and immunology.
Company Overview
Aclaris Therapeutics pioneers innovative therapies for immune-inflammatory diseases, leveraging its dual Therapeutics and Contract Research segments to address unmet needs in dermatology and immunology, offering investors a unique opportunity in the biopharmaceutical space with a focus on novel drug candidates.
Investment Thesis
Investing in Aclaris Therapeutics presents a compelling opportunity due to its focus on the high-growth immuno-inflammatory disease market. The company's diverse pipeline of drug candidates, including Zunsemetinib and ATI-1777, targets significant unmet needs in dermatology and immunology. Positive clinical trial results for these candidates could serve as major catalysts, driving significant value appreciation. Aclaris's Contract Research segment provides a stable revenue stream, offsetting some of the risks associated with clinical-stage drug development. With a market capitalization of $0.39 billion, Aclaris offers potential for substantial returns if its drug candidates achieve regulatory approval and commercial success. The company's strategic focus and innovative approach make it an attractive investment for those seeking exposure to the biopharmaceutical sector.
Key Highlights
- Market Cap of $0.39 billion reflects the company's current valuation in the biopharmaceutical market.
- Gross Margin of 22.5% indicates the profitability of the Contract Research segment and potential for improvement as Therapeutics segment matures.
- Beta of 0.86 suggests lower volatility compared to the overall market.
- Focus on immuno-inflammatory diseases positions Aclaris in a high-growth area of the pharmaceutical industry.
- Pipeline includes multiple drug candidates targeting significant unmet needs, providing diversification and potential for multiple revenue streams.
Competitors
Strengths
- Diverse pipeline of drug candidates targeting multiple immune-inflammatory diseases.
- Established Contract Research segment providing a stable revenue stream.
- Experienced management team with expertise in drug development and commercialization.
- Proprietary drug candidates with patent protection.
Weaknesses
- Clinical-stage company with no currently approved products.
- High research and development costs.
- Dependence on successful clinical trial outcomes and regulatory approvals.
- Negative profit margin.
Catalysts
- Upcoming: Clinical trial results for Zunsemetinib in rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis.
- Upcoming: Clinical trial results for ATI-1777 in atopic dermatitis.
- Upcoming: Regulatory submissions for Zunsemetinib and ATI-1777.
- Ongoing: Expansion of Contract Research segment through new service offerings and client acquisitions.
- Ongoing: Strategic partnerships and collaborations with other pharmaceutical companies.
Risks
- Potential: Unsuccessful clinical trial outcomes for drug candidates.
- Potential: Regulatory delays or rejection of drug candidates.
- Potential: Competition from other biopharmaceutical companies.
- Ongoing: High research and development costs.
- Ongoing: Dependence on securing additional funding to support operations.
Growth Opportunities
- Expansion of Therapeutics Pipeline: Aclaris has the opportunity to expand its therapeutics pipeline by identifying and developing new drug candidates for additional immuno-inflammatory diseases. The market for these therapies is projected to reach billions of dollars in the coming years, driven by increasing prevalence and demand for more effective treatments. Successful development and commercialization of new drug candidates could significantly increase Aclaris's revenue and market share. Timeline: Ongoing, with continuous research and development efforts.
- Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations: Aclaris can pursue strategic partnerships and collaborations with other pharmaceutical companies and research institutions to accelerate the development and commercialization of its drug candidates. Collaborations can provide access to additional resources, expertise, and funding, reducing the risk and cost associated with drug development. Successful partnerships could lead to faster regulatory approvals and market entry. Timeline: Ongoing, with potential for new partnerships in the near future.
- Commercialization of Zunsemetinib: The successful commercialization of Zunsemetinib, an MK2 inhibitor for rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, represents a significant growth opportunity for Aclaris. The market for arthritis treatments is substantial, with a large patient population and unmet need for more effective therapies. Positive clinical trial results and regulatory approval could drive significant revenue growth for Aclaris. Timeline: Dependent on clinical trial outcomes and regulatory approval process.
- Growth of Contract Research Segment: Aclaris can expand its Contract Research segment by offering a wider range of laboratory services and attracting new clients. The market for contract research services is growing, driven by the increasing complexity of drug development and the outsourcing of research activities by pharmaceutical companies. Expanding the Contract Research segment can provide a stable revenue stream and support the company's overall growth. Timeline: Ongoing, with continuous efforts to expand service offerings and client base.
- Development of ATI-1777: The development of ATI-1777, a soft JAK 1/3 inhibitor for atopic dermatitis, presents another significant growth opportunity. Atopic dermatitis is a common skin condition with a large patient population and unmet need for more effective treatments. Positive clinical trial results and regulatory approval could drive significant revenue growth for Aclaris. Timeline: Dependent on clinical trial outcomes and regulatory approval process.
Opportunities
- Expansion of therapeutics pipeline through internal research and development.
- Strategic partnerships and collaborations with other pharmaceutical companies.
- Commercialization of Zunsemetinib and ATI-1777.
- Growth of Contract Research segment by offering new services and attracting new clients.
Threats
- Competition from other biopharmaceutical companies.
- Unsuccessful clinical trial outcomes.
- Regulatory delays or rejection of drug candidates.
- Changes in healthcare policies and reimbursement rates.
Competitive Advantages
- Proprietary drug candidates with patent protection.
- Specialized expertise in the development of therapies for immune-inflammatory diseases.
- Established Contract Research segment providing a stable revenue stream.
- Strong relationships with key opinion leaders and researchers in the field of dermatology and immunology.
About
Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc., founded in 2012 and headquartered in Wayne, Pennsylvania, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of novel drug candidates for the treatment of immune-inflammatory diseases. The company operates through two distinct segments: Therapeutics and Contract Research. The Therapeutics segment focuses on identifying and developing innovative therapies to address significant unmet needs in immuno-inflammatory diseases, with a pipeline of drug candidates targeting conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and atopic dermatitis. Key drug candidates include Zunsemetinib, an MK2 inhibitor, and ATI-1777, a soft JAK 1/3 inhibitor. The Contract Research segment provides laboratory services, contributing to the company's revenue stream and supporting its research and development efforts. Aclaris is also developing ATI-2138, an ITK/TXK/JAK3 inhibitor, for T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases, a Gut-Biased Program for inflammatory bowel disease, and ATI-2231, an MK2 inhibitor for pancreatic and metastatic breast cancer. The company's strategic focus on immuno-inflammatory diseases positions it within a high-growth area of the pharmaceutical industry, driven by the increasing prevalence of these conditions and the demand for more effective treatments.
What They Do
- Develop novel drug candidates for immune-inflammatory diseases.
- Operate a Therapeutics segment focused on drug development.
- Operate a Contract Research segment providing laboratory services.
- Develop Zunsemetinib for rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis.
- Develop ATI-1777 for atopic dermatitis.
- Develop ATI-2138 for T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases.
- Develop a Gut-Biased Program for inflammatory bowel disease.
- Develop ATI-2231 for pancreatic and metastatic breast cancer.
Business Model
- Develop and commercialize pharmaceutical products for immune-inflammatory diseases.
- Generate revenue through the sale of laboratory services via the Contract Research segment.
- Out-license or partner drug candidates with larger pharmaceutical companies for further development and commercialization.
- Secure funding through venture capital, private equity, and public offerings.
Industry Context
Aclaris Therapeutics operates within the medical diagnostics and research industry, a segment of the broader healthcare sector. The industry is characterized by rapid innovation, driven by advancements in biotechnology and increasing demand for personalized medicine. The market for immuno-inflammatory disease treatments is experiencing significant growth, fueled by the rising prevalence of autoimmune disorders and the aging global population. Aclaris competes with other biopharmaceutical companies, including ALLO, Allogene Therapeutics, BIOA, BioAegis Therapeutics, and EDIT, Editas Medicine, all striving to develop novel therapies for various diseases. The competitive landscape is intense, requiring companies to demonstrate clinical efficacy and secure regulatory approvals to gain market share.
Key Customers
- Patients suffering from immune-inflammatory diseases.
- Pharmaceutical companies seeking to outsource research and development activities.
- Healthcare providers prescribing treatments for immune-inflammatory conditions.
- Research institutions and universities conducting studies on immune-inflammatory diseases.
Financials
Recent Quarterly Results
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $3M | -$15M | $-0.12 |
| Q2 2025 | $2M | -$15M | $-0.13 |
| Q1 2025 | $1M | -$15M | $-0.12 |
| Q4 2024 | $9M | -$97M | $-1.01 |
Source: Company filings
Chart & Info
Price Chart
Aclaris Therapeutics (ACRS) stock price: $2.65 (-0.23, -7.99%)
Why Bull
- •Recent insider buying suggests confidence in Aclaris' future prospects, indicating that leadership sees value in the current share price.
- •Positive community sentiment has emerged around Aclaris' innovative dermatological treatments, reflecting growing interest among investors.
- •Recent announcements regarding clinical trial advancements have generated excitement, positioning Aclaris favorably in the biotech sector.
- •Social media discussions have highlighted Aclaris' potential partnerships, which could enhance its market reach and product offerings.
Why Bear
- •Concerns about regulatory hurdles for Aclaris' products have been prevalent, leading to skepticism among some investors.
- •Recent social sentiment has shown a cautious approach, with discussions around the volatility of biotech stocks impacting Aclaris' perception.
- •Aclaris has faced criticism regarding its cash burn rate, raising questions about its financial sustainability in the near term.
- •Some community members express doubts about the scalability of Aclaris' pipeline, fearing it may not meet market demands.
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Technical Analysis
Rationale
AI-generated technical analysis for ACRS including trend direction, momentum, and pattern recognition.
What to Watch
Key support and resistance levels, volume signals, and upcoming events.
Risk Management
Position sizing, stop-loss levels, and risk-reward assessment.
Community
Discussion
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Sentiment
Community sentiment and discussion activity for ACRS.
Make a Prediction
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Current price: $2.65
Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for ACRS.
Price Targets
Median: $10.00 (+277.4% from current price)
Insider Flow (30d)
MoonshotScore
Score Factors
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Revenue Growth 2/100
Revenue declined -40.1% YoY, signaling shrinking demand or market headwinds.
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Gross Margin 6/100
Gross margin of 22.5% is acceptable but leaves limited room for R&D and marketing investment.
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Operating Leverage 4/100
Limited operating leverage due to slower revenue growth, keeping profit scaling constrained.
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Cash Runway 5/100
Limited cash of $25M could constrain flexibility; watch for dilution risk or debt issuance.
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R&D Intensity 10/100
Investing 179.4% of revenue in R&D signals heavy commitment to innovation and future product pipeline.
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Insider Activity 6/100
No significant insider buying or selling recently, which is neutral for the stock outlook.
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Short Interest 10/100
Daily turnover of 1.48% indicates healthy liquidity with smooth entry/exit for investors.
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Price Momentum 3/100
Weak momentum with few bullish signals. The stock may be in a downtrend or consolidation phase.
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News Sentiment 5/100
No sentiment data available
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates ACRS's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Competitors & Peers
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. do?
Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapies for immune-inflammatory diseases. The company operates through two segments: Therapeutics, which focuses on the development of innovative drug candidates, and Contract Research, which provides laboratory services. Aclaris's pipeline includes drug candidates targeting conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, atopic dermatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. The company aims to address significant unmet needs in dermatology and immunology by developing and commercializing novel treatments.
Is ACRS stock a good buy?
ACRS stock presents a speculative investment opportunity with potential for high returns, but also carries significant risks. The company's focus on the high-growth immuno-inflammatory disease market and its diverse pipeline of drug candidates are positive factors. However, Aclaris is a clinical-stage company with no currently approved products and a negative profit margin. Investors should carefully consider their risk tolerance and conduct thorough due diligence before investing in ACRS stock. Positive clinical trial results and regulatory approvals could drive significant value appreciation.
What are the main risks for ACRS?
The main risks for Aclaris Therapeutics include the potential for unsuccessful clinical trial outcomes, regulatory delays or rejection of drug candidates, and competition from other biopharmaceutical companies. As a clinical-stage company, Aclaris is heavily reliant on the successful development and commercialization of its drug candidates. High research and development costs and dependence on securing additional funding also pose significant risks. Investors should be aware of these risks and carefully consider their investment horizon and risk tolerance before investing in ACRS.
Is ACRS a good stock to buy?
Whether ACRS is a good investment depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Review the Investment Thesis, SWOT analysis, and Risk sections on this page. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor before investing.
What is the ACRS MoonshotScore?
MoonshotScore is our proprietary AI-powered rating system that evaluates stocks based on growth potential, financial health, market momentum, and risk factors. It helps investors quickly identify high-potential opportunities. Check the MoonshotScore badge on this page for the current rating.
How often is ACRS data updated?
Stock prices are updated in real-time during market hours (9:30 AM - 4:00 PM ET). Company fundamentals, analyst ratings, and AI insights are refreshed daily. News is updated continuously throughout the day.
What are the growth catalysts for ACRS?
Growth catalysts vary by company and may include new product launches, market expansion, earnings surprises, partnerships, or industry tailwinds. Check the Catalysts section on this page for specific drivers relevant to Aclaris Therapeutics.
Who are ACRS's main competitors?
Aclaris Therapeutics's competitors depend on its industry and market segments. Check the Competitors section on this page for a list of direct competitors and how ACRS compares.
What do analysts say about ACRS?
Analyst ratings and price targets for ACRS are aggregated from multiple sources. Check the Analyst Consensus tab for buy/hold/sell ratings and the current consensus price target.
What is ACRS's market cap?
Market capitalization reflects the total market value of ACRS's outstanding shares. Check the Key Statistics section at the top of this page for the current market cap and other key financial metrics.
How has ACRS stock performed recently?
Check the Chart & Info tab for ACRS's recent price action, including daily, weekly, and monthly performance charts with technical indicators.
What are the risks of investing in ACRS?
Every stock carries risk. Check the Risks and Weaknesses sections on this page for ACRS-specific risk factors. Consider macroeconomic conditions, industry trends, and company-specific challenges.
Are insiders buying or selling ACRS?
Insider activity can signal management confidence. Check the Insider Flow tab for recent insider buys, sells, and exercise transactions for ACRS.
Is ACRS a good stock for beginners?
Aclaris Therapeutics (ACRS) can be suitable for beginner investors depending on several factors. Look at the MoonshotScore on this page for an overall AI-powered assessment of growth potential and risk. Beginners should also check the company's market cap (larger companies tend to be less volatile), gross margin (higher margins mean stronger business fundamentals), and cash position (healthy cash reduces bankruptcy risk). Always start with a small position size and never invest money you cannot afford to lose.
How risky is ACRS for first-time investors?
Every stock carries risk, including Aclaris Therapeutics (ACRS). First-time investors should review the Risk Factors section on this page for company-specific risks. Key risk indicators include price volatility (check the chart for daily swings), insider selling activity (see Insider Flow tab), and cash runway (see MoonshotScore breakdown). A diversified portfolio with an index fund like the S&P 500 as a core holding is generally recommended before adding individual stocks like ACRS.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Information is based on available data and may be subject to change.
- Investment decisions should be based on individual risk tolerance and due diligence.