Aclaris Therapeutics Initiates a Pilot Clinical Trial to Study ATI-50002 Topical in Patients with Vitiligo

MALVERN, Pa., Dec. 19, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. ACRS, a dermatologist-led biopharmaceutical company focused on identifying, developing, and commercializing innovative and differentiated therapies to address significant unmet needs in medical and aesthetic dermatology, today announced that it has initiated a Phase 2 open-label clinical trial of ATI-50002, a topical Janus Kinase (JAK) 1/3 inhibitor (ATI-50002 Topical) and an investigational drug, for the potential treatment of non-segmental vitiligo of the face. 

This trial will evaluate the safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy of ATI-50002 Topical applied twice daily in 24 adult subjects with non-segmental vitiligo of the face.  This 24-week trial will be conducted at 3 investigational centers within the United States.

"This trial is the first step in evaluating the potential clinical benefit of ATI-50002 Solution in treating patients with non-segmental vitiligo of the face," said Dr. Stuart Shanler, Chief Scientific Officer of Aclaris. "This is an important step forward in understanding the clinical utility of our JAK program in patients with vitiligo."

About Vitiligo
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease in which the pigment producing skin cells (melanocytes) are progressively lost from the skin. As a result, pigment (melanin) is absent and areas of skin appear to be lighter on various parts of the body. The cause of vitiligo is unknown; however, an autoimmune-mediated destruction of the pigment cells is currently the most favored theory. Impacting one to two percent of the global population, vitiligo is considered the most frequently occurring depigmenting disorder. Irrespective of sex, race or age, the condition is more prominently found in darker skinned individuals. Its sufferers may experience reduced quality of life and psychological distress. None of the currently available treatment options are perceived to manage vitiligo adequately. There are currently no FDA-approved medications for vitiligo that restore pigmentation.

About Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc.
Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. is a dermatologist-led biopharmaceutical company focused on identifying, developing and commercializing innovative and differentiated therapies to address significant unmet needs in medical and aesthetic dermatology.  Aclaris is focused on large, underserved market segments with no FDA-approved medications or where treatment gaps exist.  Aclaris is based in Malvern, Pennsylvania and more information can be found by visiting the Aclaris website at www.aclaristx.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "may," "plan," "potential," "will," and similar expressions, and are based on Aclaris' current beliefs and expectations. These forward-looking statements include expectations regarding the commercial availability of ESKATA in the spring of 2018 and the expected market opportunity for ESKATA. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially include Aclaris' reliance on third parties over which it may not always have full control and other risks and uncertainties that are described in the Risk Factors section of Aclaris' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, Aclaris' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, and other filings Aclaris makes with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. These documents are available under the "Financial Information" section of the Investors page of Aclaris' website at http://www.aclaristx.com. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are based on information available to Aclaris as of the date of this release, and Aclaris assumes no obligation to, and does not intend to, update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact:
Aclaris Contact
Michael Tung, M.D.
Vice President / Investor Relations
484-329-2140
mtung@aclaristx.com 

Media Contact
Mariann Caprino
TogoRun
917-242-1087
M.Caprino@togorun.com