$acrs Aclaris Therapeutics level to watch

Aclaris Therapeutics (NASDAQ:ACRS) is up 19.9% after hours following positive results from its Phase 1 trial of ATI-450, an investigational oral MK2 inhibitor.

The trial covered single ascending dose and multiple ascending dose approaches. The treatment was well tolerated at all doses and resulted in marked inhibition of TNFa, IL1ß, IL8, and IL6, the company says.

“We believe these data support the progression of ATI-450 into Phase 2 clinical development,” says Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Gordon.

The company plans to initiate a Phase 2 trial in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis in the first half of the year.

Cource seeking alpha

Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. operates as a dermatologist-led biopharmaceutical company, which engages in identifying, developing, and commercializing novel drugs to address the needs in medical and aesthetic dermatology and immunology. It operates through Dermatology Therapeutics and Contract Research segments. The Dermatology Therapeutics segment focuses in identifying, developing, and commercializing innovative and differentiated therapies to address significant unmet needs in medical and aesthetic dermatology. The Contract Research segment provides laboratory services under contract research arrangements to pharmaceutical and biotech companies. The company was founded by Neal S. Walker, Frank Ruffo, Kamil Ali-Jackson, Christopher V. Powala, and Stuart D. Shanler in July 2012 and is headquartered in Malvern, PA.