Press Release

WAYNE, Pa., Oct. 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACRS), a dermatologist-led biopharmaceutical company focused on identifying, developing, and commercializing innovative therapies to address significant unmet needs in aesthetic and medical dermatology and immunology, today announced a partnership with Harris-Stowe State University. Both organizations are committed to providing education and employment opportunities for underrepresented minority groups in science-related jobs in St. Louis.

“Underrepresented minorities should not be rare in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Many talented people, who are members of minority groups, do not have the experiences necessary to adequately prepare them for jobs or graduate/professional studies in science-related fields, even after successfully completing undergraduate degree programs. They often need role models to show them how to prepare for careers in these fields,” said Joseph Monahan, Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Research and Development of Aclaris Therapeutics and head of Aclaris’  St. Louis subsidiary, Confluence Discovery Technologies, Inc.

“We are committed to building pathways for students in high-demand fields, and hope this partnership will be a part of the solution by increasing the number of minority participants in STEM-related careers,” said Dr. Dwaun Warmack, President of Harris-Stowe State University.

This partnership between Aclaris and Harris-Stowe State University will address gaps in workforce development.  Aclaris will provide hands-on relevant experience, internships, and potential employment opportunities. Harris-Stowe State University will offer an enhanced curriculum for students majoring in biology or chemistry. 

Aclaris plans to provide paid summer internships at its St. Louis site for up to two high potential students per year. Harris-Stowe State University students, who complete two summer internships with Aclaris and complete their education at Harris-Stowe State University with a degree in biology or chemistry under the enhanced curriculum guidelines, will be considered for full-time employment as associate scientists. 

About Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc.

Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. is a dermatologist-led biopharmaceutical company focused on identifying, developing, and commercializing innovative therapies to address significant unmet needs in aesthetic and medical dermatology and immunology. Aclaris’ focus on market segments with no FDA-approved medications or where treatment gaps exist has resulted in the first FDA-approved treatment for raised SKs and several clinical programs to develop medications for the potential treatment of common warts, alopecia areata and vitiligo. For additional information, please visit www.aclaristx.com and follow Aclaris on LinkedIn.

About Confluence Discovery Technologies, Inc.

Confluence Discovery Technologies, Inc., a full-service drug discovery and early development contract research organization, is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. Confluence provides contract research services for pharma and biotech companies across therapeutic areas and gene families. Confluence’s expertise includes cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, enzymology, biomarker development, immunology and inflammation, in vivo efficacy models, bioanalytical, computational and medicinal chemistry. To learn more, visit www.confluencediscovery.com.

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

Source: Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc.