acrs_8K

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 


 

FORM 8‑K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of

The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  November 21, 2019

 


 

Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delaware

 

001-37581

 

46-0571712

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

 

(Commission File Number)

 

(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

640 Lee Road, Suite 200

Wayne, PA 19087

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

(484)  324-7933

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

N/A

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

[  ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

[  ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

[  ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

[  ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 

 

 

 

 

 

Title of Each Class:

 

Trading Symbol(s)

 

Name of Each Exchange on which Registered

Common Stock, $0.00001 par value

 

ACRS

 

The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth Company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter)  or Rule 12b‑2  of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b‑2  of this chapter).

 

Emerging growth company ☑

 

If an emerging growth company,  indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☑

 

 

 

 

 

Item 7.01

Regulation FD Disclosure.

 

On November 21, 2019, management of Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”) will present a company overview at SVB Leerink’s 13th Annual POLARxPRESS Bus Tour in New York, New York. The presentation will include a slide presentation. A copy of this slide presentation is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

In accordance with General Instruction B.2. of Form 8-K, the information in this Item 7.01 and Exhibit 99.1 hereto, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any of the Company’s filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any incorporation language in such a filing, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

 

 

 

Item 9.01

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit
No.

  

Exhibit Description

 

 

99.1

  

Company Presentation.

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

  

 

 

 

 

ACLARIS THERAPEUTICS, INC.

 

 

 

 

By:  

/s/ Frank Ruffo

Date:  November 21, 2019

 

Frank Ruffo
Chief Financial Officer

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved Company Overview November 2019 EMPOWERING PATIENTS THROUGH KINOME INNOVATION


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved Any statements contained in this presentation 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 Aclaris’ development of its drug candidates, including the timing for initiation and completion of clinical trials, the availability of data from these trials and the timing of its regulatory submissions related to these trials. 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 uncertainties inherent in the conduct of clinical trials, 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’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2019, and other filings Aclaris makes with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. These documents are available under the “SEC filings" 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 presentation and are based on information available to Aclaris as of the date of this presentation, 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 This presentation also contains estimates and other statistical data made by independent parties and by us relating to market size and other data about our industry. This data involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and you are cautioned not to give undue weight to such estimates. In addition, projections, assumptions and estimates of our future performance and the future performance of the markets in which we operate are necessarily subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 2


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved LEADERSHIP • Physician/Scientist founded and led • Kinome experts - combined 300+ years of R&D experience immunology and inflammation • World class ex-Pfizer kinase and ex-GSK immunology R&D leadership Strategy: Development stage biotechnology company focused on immuno-inflammatory diseases KINectTM PLATFORM Proprietary Discovery Engine • Versatile platform with multiple approaches for difficult to drug kinases in precedented pathways • Fully integrated discovery and development team • Dedicated to the design of innovative, kinase targeted medicines for immuno-inflammatory diseases • Positioning small molecule drug candidates to parallel or exceed efficacy of high value biologics INNOVATIVE PORTFOLIO INNOVATIVE PIPELINE (investigational drug candidates) ATI-450 • Oral Anti-TNF, IL1, IL6 • Novel target for the potential treatment of various inflammatory indications ATI-1777-Topical Soft-JAK1/3i • Innovative treatment limiting systemic exposure for the potential treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) ATI-2138 - ITK/TXK/JAK3i • Dual inhibitor of T-cell and cytokine receptor for the potential treatment of auto- immune disease 3


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved R&D Leadership Team Experienced team with deep scientific and operational experience Former VP Research & Global Head, Pfizer Inflammation, co-leader of Pfizer Licensing Team Delivered 8 clinical candidates, 6 INDs and 1 NDA in inflammation and cancer Walter Smith SVP, R&D Jon Jacobsen, PhD VP, Chemistry Former Research Fellow and Director, Pfizer Chemistry >100 publications and patents (15 total on kinases) Project Lead for PFE JAK Program Paul Changelian, PhD VP, Biology Immunologist/drug discovery leader at pharma (Pfizer & biotech) Validated JAK 1/3 as target for transplant/RA/psoriasis, leading to approval of XELJANZ® David R Anderson, PhD Sr. Director, Discovery, Early Development Former research project leader at Pfizer. Director of Chemistry at Mnemosyne, Luc, Cadent. Inventor of 6 clinical candidates and author of 40 peer reviewed publications and patents Gary DeCrescenzo SVP, Pharm Dev Former Exec. Director, Pfizer. Site Head for Medicinal & Structural Chemistry. >100 patents. Co-inventor of multiple drug candidates David Gordon Chief Medical Officer Former SVP, R&D at GSK. Led discovery and development teams in Immuno-Inflammation and Dermatology leading to multiple successful NDAs, including NUCALA® & BENLYSTA® * All trademarks are the property of their respective owners Former Executive Director, Pfizer Inflammation Research and Leader of Global Kinase Technology Team >95 publications and patents (>30 total on kinases) Joseph Monahan, PhD Exec. VP R&D (Head of Discovery) 4


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved Pipeline Program Indication(s) Preclinical Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 ATI-450 MK2 Inhibitor Oral Rheumatoid Arthritis + Additional Immuno- inflammatory Indication ATI-1777 JAK1/JAK3 Inhibitor Soft Topical Atopic Dermatitis (moderate-to-severe) ATI-2138 ITK/TXK/JAK3 Inhibitor Oral Psoriasis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease JAK1/JAK3 Inhibitor Oral, gut-restricted Inflammatory Bowel Disease ITK/JAK3 Inhibitor Oral, gut-restricted Inflammatory Bowel Disease 5


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved The Kinase Opportunity and Challenge Creating New Medicines Targeting Previously Inaccessible Kinome Targets Science 2003 ~36 Marketed Drugs ~$48B* Annual Sales of Kinase Drugs Medically Important and Productive Target Class Most Members of the Kinome Remain Unexplored 518 Members >90% of the Human Kinome remains undrugged These drugs target less then 5% of the kinome *Unexplored opportunities in the druggable human genome Nature Review Medicine ** All trademarks are the property of their respective owners 6


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved KINect™ Platform Developing Kinase Drug Candidates Rapidly & Efficiently Proprietary Portfolio • MK2 Inhibitor • JAK Inhibitors • ITK Inhibitors Strategic Partner(s) • Project 1 • Project 2 • Project 3 ASSET GENERATION KINect™ Platform – LEAD GENERATION TARGET SELECTION & VALIDATION >300 Cysteine Kinases 500+ Kinases Select Cysteine Kinases w/Published Crystal Structures Assess Target Confidence • Disease • Genetics • Safety • Distribution • Multiple approaches for difficult to drug kinases • Integrated system: • Structure-based drug design • Proprietary library of kinase inhibitor probes • Layers of validated translatable testing funnels • Faster path to lead optimization • Forward focus on the cysteinome with use of electrophilic warheads • Leads are chemically tuned Proprietary Chemical Library SchrödingerTM Enabled Drug Design Custom Kinase and Immune Assays MODELING DESIGN SYNTHESIS ANALYSIS • Demonstrated success: • Substrate selective inhibitors • Tissue targeted reversible and irreversible kinase inhibitors • Covalent ITK inhibitors 7


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved KINect™ Platform Demonstrated Success Reversible and Covalent Covalent ITK Inhibitors MK2 Inhibitor Tissue Restricted JAK and ITK Inhibitors • Oral anti-TNF, anti-IL1, and anti-IL6 MK2 kinase inhibitor drug • Novel approach for a difficult to target kinase • ATI-450 (investigational compound) currently in Phase 1 clinical trial • ITK T cell kinase inhibitors for autoimmune disease • Reversible inhibition largely unsuccessful • Oral and topical covalent drug candidates developed • Oral: ATI-2138 (investigational compound) IND enabling work • Potential approaches to achieve efficacy with improved safety • ATI-1777 (investigational compound): Soft, topical drug for the potential treatment of moderate-to- severe AD • Gut restricted inhibitor for the potential treatment for inflammatory bowel disease Unique Substrate Selective Drug Design Covalent Inhibition: for difficult to target kinase Tailoring physico-chemical and potency properties 8


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved Market Overview of Select Inflammatory Indications *Auster M., et al. Something Big Is Getting Bigger [research note]. New York, NY: Credit Suisse Equity Research; 2019. (1) Estimates of total sales per indication from EvaluatePharma (2) CS projections: based on US branded pricing (3) Assumed peak treatable population with population with population with biologics/novel agents in the US: R 350-400k / Psoriasis300-350k / Ulcerative Colitis 225-275k / Atopic Dermatitis 150-200k / Asthma 275-325k RA Psoriasis Ulcerative Colitis Crohn's Atopic Dermatitis (moderate - severe) (moderate - severe) (moderate - severe) (moderate - severe) (moderate - severe) 2018E WW Sales1 ~25B ~15B ~$5B ~$11B ~$1B Estimated Peak Market (WW)2 ~$25-30B ~$20-25B ~$8-12B ~$15B ~$8-12B Prevalent US Moderate/Severe Population3 ~1,000K+ ~1,000-1,300K ~400-500K ~350-450K ~300-700K Approved Agents (per target) TNF-alpha: 5 TNF-alpha: 3 TNF-alpha: 2 TNF-alpha: 3 IgE: 1 CD20: 1 IL-12 / IL-23: 2 Integrin α4β7: 1 IL-12 / IL-23: 1 IL-5: 3 JAK: 2 IL-17A: 2 JAK: 1 Integrin α4β7: 1 IL-4R: 1 Integrin α4β7: 1 PDE4: 1 Other: 3 Agents in Clinic (per target) BTK: 9 IL-23: 2 JAK/STAT: 4 JAK/STAT: 5 IL-33: 4 JAK/STAT: 5 IL-17 / IL17R: 4 IL-23: 4 IL-23: 5 DP2 R: 2 IL-6: 3 JAK/STAT: 2 S1P-R: 2 S1P Receptor: 3 TSLP: 1 TNF-alpha: 1 Others: 7 Integrins: 2 Integrin α4β7: 1 IL-4R: 1 T-cell Receptor: 1 Others: 12 Others: 12 IL-5: 1 Others: 41 Others: 6 Opportunity for New Treatments Orals, Improved risk/benefit, novel mechanism Oral, novel mechanism, improved safety Gut-restricted (improved safety) Gut-restricted (Improved safety) Improved risk/benefit, topical in moderate to severe 9


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved ATI-450: MK2 Inhibitor (Investigational Drug Candidate) 10


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved MK2 Inhibitor – Potential ORAL Alternative to Injectable, Anti-Cytokine Biologics and JAK Inhibitors for Immuno-Inflammatory Diseases • MK2* is an attractive drug target because it drives pro-inflammatory cytokine expression • The effects of inhibiting MK2 mirror the effects of anti-inflammatory biologics1 • anti-TNF: HUMIRA®, ENBREL®, REMICADE® • anti-IL1: KINERET®, ILARIS®, ARCALYST® • anti-IL6: KEVZARA®, ACTEMRA® • ATI-450 inhibits MK2 via a novel MOA which involves binding to a drug “pocket” created in the p38α/MK2 complex2 *MK2 = Mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinase 2 ** All trademarks are the property of their respective owners 1 Data on file 2 Wang C, et al. J Exp Med. 2018;215(5):1315-1325. 11


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved MK2-driven Cytokines are Central to Many Diseases TNFα, IL1β, IL6 Psoriasis / psoriatic arthritis Gout Inflammatory bowel disease Rheumatoid arthritis / Juvenile idiopathic arthritis Ankylosing spondylitis Asthma / COPD Cardiovascular / cerebrovascular disease Cancer Singh RK, et al. Pharmacol Reports. 2017; 69:746-756. 12


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved Evolution in Understanding of a Well-Known Path The Path From p38α to MK2 p38α was the original therapeutic target for suppressing TNFα and other pro-inflammatory cytokines • However, first generation p38α inhibitors were not selective resulting in multiple safety issues including liver, kidney, GI, and skin toxicity. • Second generation p38α inhibitors demonstrated a lack of sustained activity in certain diseases such as RA and IBD and could not completely overcome toxicity. • MK2 inhibitors became recognized as a more selective and targeted approach to this path. MK2 inhibitors suppress pro- inflammatory signaling p38 inhibitors suppress pro- and anti- inflammatory pathways *Schindler et al. 2007. p38 pathway inhibitors as anti-inflammatory drug targets. J Dent Res. 2007:86(9): 800-811 13


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved Capturing MK2 in an Inactive State Crystal structure of the p38α/MK2 complex ATI-450 (yellow) docked in the pocket • In the nucleus, inactive MK2 and p38α dock in a high affinity complex that exhibits a binding pocket formed by juxtaposed walls of both proteins • Aclaris MK2 inhibitors bind to both walls of the pocket, stabilizing the complex and preventing MK2 activation binding pocket p38α (green) MK2 (white) ATI-450 (yellow) Aclaris MK2 inhibitors lock MK2 in a catalytically inactive state – a unique MOA *Wang C, et al. J Exp Med. 2018;215(5):1315-1325. 14


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved • ATI-450 (5µM) was tested vs 193 kinases • >350-fold binding selectivity on all kinases in this panel except p38α and p38β ATI-450 selectivity Assay Fold Selective p38α/MK2 1 p38α/p38tide* 51 MK2/HSP27 >550 Human Kinome Selectivity1 MK2 Pathway Selectivity *Optimized p38 peptide substrate ** Data on file. 1Wang C, et al. J Exp Med. 2018;215(5):1315-1325. ATI-450 is highly selective for the p38/MK2 complex vs. other p38 substrates1 Assay Fold Selective p38α/MK2 1 p38α/ATF2 700 p38α/PRAK 750 ATI-450 binds to the p38α/MK2 complex with higher affinity than either p38 or MK2 alone** 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 1719 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 47 49 51 53 55 57 59 61 63 65 67 69 71 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93 95 97 99 101 p38α p38β 103 105 107 109 111 113 115 117 119 121 123 125 127 131 129 133 135 137 139 141 143 145 147 151 149 153 155 157 159 161 163 165 167 171 169 173 175 177 179 181 183185189 191 193 15


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved Animal Models Supporting the Development of ATI-450 in Inflammatory Diseases Therapeutic Area Animal Model Reference Rheumatoid Arthritis / Psoriatic Arthritis Rat streptococcal cell wall arthritis model • Protection against bone deterioration • Protection against lethality Inhibition of cellular IL1β mRNA stability & translation Wang C, et al. J Exp Med. 2018;215(5):1315-1325. Inflammatory Bowel Disease Adoptive transfer mouse model of colitis • Endoscopy scores show disease control • Decreased inflammatory infiltrate • Protected structural integrity of mucosa Strasser et al. Integrative Biology, in press - Substrate-based kinase activity inference identifies MK2 as driver of colitis. Cryopyrin- Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS) Murine NOMID (severe form of CAPS) transgenic model Human CAPS PBMC* IL1β modulation Wang C, et al. J Exp Med. 2018;215(5):1315-1325. * PBMC = Peripheral blood mononuclear cells 16


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved ATI-450 Blocks MK2 – Potential Effect in Rheumatoid Arthritis MK2 is a key regulator of essential pathogenic signals in chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases Cells Cytokines Monocyte Macrophage Osteoclast Epithelial Cells RA Syn Fibroblast Chondrocytes TNFα IL1β IL1a IL6 IL18 RANKL Normal Joint RA Joint Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, Volume 6, 2007 *ATI-450: for bold items above data on file and Wang C, et al. J Exp Med. 2018;215(5):1315-1325. 17


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved In vivo Preclinical Data of MK2 Pathway Inhibitor ATI-450 Normal Vehicle 450 (5 mpk) Joint Protection in Rat Arthritis Model1 Cytokine Modulation in Orphan Autoinflammatory Disease (CAPS)1 Normal Inflamed Inflamed + ATI-450 Blockade of Gut Inflammatory Infiltrate in Murine Adoptive Transfer Ulcerative Colitis Model2 1 Wang C, et al. J Exp Med. 2018;215(5):1315-1325. 2Strasser et al. Integrative Biology, in press - Substrate-based kinase activity inference identifies MK2 as driver of colitis. 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.8 0 5 10 15 20 Paw Volume - ml Study Day Vehicle CDD450 - 10 MPK CDD450 - 5 MPK CDD110 - 1.5 MPK Oral dosing initiated vehicle ATI-450 IL1β (bone marrow fluid) CDD-450 - + - + 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 ( p g ) ( n g / m l ) 0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 Normal NOMID CDD-450 - + - + Normal NOMID IL6 (serum) ( p g ) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 CDD-450 - + - + Normal NOMID IL18 (bone marrow fluid) ATI-450 ATI-450 ATI-450 ATI-450 PLACEBO 18


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved Ex vivo Preclinical Data: ATI-450 Inhibits IL1β Expression in PBMCs from a CAPS Patient • Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMBCs) were isolated from CAPS patients and healthy controls. • In CAPS patients (Muckle Wells Syndrome; MWS), IL1β expression is triggered by exposure to low temperatures. • CAPS PBMCs spontaneously produced high amounts of IL1β at 32°C but not at 37°C. • ATI-450 blocks temperature stress induced IL1β production. *Wang C, et al. J Exp Med. 2018;215(5):1315-1325. 19


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved • In CAPS, osteoclastogenesis gives rise to low bone mass (osteopenia) •(a) When bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDM) from NOMID mice are stimulated with RANKL (RANK ligand), they differentiate into osteoclasts •(b) ATI-450 blocks this macrophage differentiation Mouse Model: ATI-450 Inhibits RANKL-induced Osteoclastogenesis Macrophages Osteoclasts RANKL stimulation NOMID BMDM NOMID BMDM Plus ATI-450 ATI-450 inhibits RANKL-stimulated macrophage differentiation into osteoclasts from NOMID mice *Wang C, et al. J Exp Med. 2018;215(5):1315-1325. (a) (b) Bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDM) from NOMID mice 20


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved Mouse Model: LPS-Induced TNFa Production ATI-450 demonstrated durable response (no tachyphylaxis) • Conventional p38 (CDD-111) and MK2i (ATI- 450) administered to mice in feed starting day 1 and continuing through day 28 • At the time point indicated, mice were LPS challenged and blood TNFa levels determined 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 0.5 2 3 4 CDD111 CDD450 ATI-450 % Control Response Weeks on Drug • Global p38 inhibitor CDD-111 lost inhibition over time • MK2 inhibitor ATI- 450 (investigational compound) demonstrated durable response (no tachyphylaxis) TNF - α 21 CDD-111 * Wang C, et al. J Exp Med. 2018;215(5):1315-1325.


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved ATI-450 Clinical Development Rheumatoid Arthritis Phase 2 Clinical Trial • 12 wks: ATI-450 vs placebo • Assess CRP dynamics • Clinical Disease Activity/PD Biomarkers • MRI: wrist synovitis Demonstrate proof of concept data Rheumatoid Arthritis Psoriasis Psoriatic Arthritis Hidradenitis Suppurativa Inflammatory Bowel Disease Gout CAPS Phase 1 Single and Multiple Ascending Doses • Safety, PK, Tolerability • PD (inhibition of TNFα, IL1b, IL6, IL8 & Hsp27) 22


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved • Well-known pathway • Discovered an approach to drug the target • Novel mechanism designed to block inflammation ✓ Multiple inflammatory cytokines impacted ✓ Key RA inflammatory cell types impacted ✓ Lock MK2 in a catalytically inactive state – a unique MOA ✓ Broad IP issued or filed • Oral option for numerous diseases currently treated by biologics ✓ Robust efficacy in a range of inflammation and mouse cancer models1,2 • Phase 1 study underway • Proof of concept in RA trial expected to begin first half 2020 ✓ Demonstrate clear pharmacodynamic effect and no tachyphylaxis ✓ Demonstrate early signs of efficacy in a well understood disease • Other inflammatory indications under consideration MK2 inhibitor ATI-450 Summary 1 Murali et al. 2018. Inhibition of the stromal p38MAPK/MK2 pathway limits breast cancer metastases and chemotherapy-induced bone loss. Cancer Res 78(19):1 2 Wang C, et al. J Exp Med. 2018;215(5):1315-1325. 23


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved ATI-1777 (Topical Soft-JAK Inhibitor) (Investigational Drug Candidate) 24


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved • Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a disease of unknown origin that usually starts in early infancy and is typified by pruritus, eczematous lesions, xerosis (dry skin), and lichenification on the skin (thickening of the skin and increase in skin markings).1 ✓ Large and growing market – Projected to be $8-12 billion at peak (moderate-to-severe AD)2 ✓ Unmet need for effective and safe topical treatment for AD ✓ Systemic and topical JAK inhibition has demonstrated promising results in clinical trials for treating pruritus and inflammation in AD3 ✓ In AD, a compromised skin barrier means that a topically dosed JAK inhibitor might result in pharmacologically active systemic drug levels • Topical soft-JAK inhibitor has potential to achieve efficacy with improved safety ✓ Achieve efficacy in skin while minimizing systemic JAK inhibitor toxicity ✓ JAK1/3 selectivity minimizes JAK2 toxicities given compromised skin barrier • Topical formulations being optimized into a differentiated, patient-friendly emollient formulation (topical spray vs cream/ointment) • First in human studies planned for second half 2020 in moderate-to-severe AD ATI-1777 (Topical Soft-JAK Inhibitor) Novel approach for moderate to severe Atopic Dermatitis 1 https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1049085-overview 2 Auster M., et al. Something Big Is Getting Bigger [research note]. New York, NY: Credit Suisse Equity Research; 2019. 3 R Shreberk-Hassidim, Et Al Janus kinase inhibitors in dermatology: A systematic review, J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 Apr;76(4):745-753. 25


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved • No adverse effects noted (10% body surface area, QD) • Bleeds at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours post-application: Days 1 and 6 • All plasma samples were below limit of quantification (<0.50 ng/mL) – well below cellular IC50 Minipig Model: ATI-1777 Nonclinical Safety Program TK Data Tolerability/Toxicokinetic with 7-day dermal administration (non-GLP) 1 Data on file 2 Clinical Pharmacology in Drug Development 3(1) 34–42 © 2013 3 Punwani, N., et al. British Journal of Dermatology (2015) 173, 989–997 26 HUMAN2,3 MINIPIG1


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved • Single application of 2% ATI- 1777 development formulation significantly inhibits IL15 induced gene induction (CCL8). • Clinical topical formulation of 1.5% ruxolitinib does not significantly inhibit IL15 (CCL8) induction. Porcine Model: ATI-1777 Blocks IL15 Induced CCL8 mRNA Apply formulation to back of pig, wait 1 hr Intra-dermal Injection of porcine IL15, wait 3 hr Harvest 6 mm biopsy, prepare RNA, measure CCL8 by qPCR *Data on file 27


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved Create topical atopic dermatitis therapy which meets the medical, aesthetic and compliance needs of patients and physicians ATI-1777: Topical Soft-JAK Inhibitor to Target Moderate-to- Severe AD • Designed to be: •“Soft” drug to minimize the potential for systemic immunosuppression • JAK1/3 selective to minimize JAK2 inhibition toxicity • Delivered in a patient friendly formulation to clearly differentiate it from other topical therapies Approach • Plan to study in patients with moderate-to-severe AD • IND-enabling preclinical safety program initiated • Next key milestone: First In Human - 2H2020 Status 28


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved ATI-2138 (ITK/TXK/JAK3) (Investigational Drug Candidate) 29


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved • ATI-2138 covalently blocks ITK/TXK/JAK3 ✓ ITK/TXK required for T-cell receptor signaling ✓ JAK3 required for gc cytokines (IL-2/4/7/9/15/21) ✓ Targeting both with a single drug may produce synergistic efficacy - expected to have few off-target effects ✓ PD effects persist after plasma clearance ✓ Efficacy in rat arthritis and mouse colitis • All T-cell mediated autoimmune diseases are potentially targetable • Next milestones ✓ IND submission in 4Q20/1Q21 ✓ First In Human - 1H 2021 ATI-2138: Covalent ITK/TXK/JAK3 Inhibitor TH Cells TCR/CD3 T cell T cell T cells T cell ATI-2138 APCs 30


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved ATI-2138 is a Potent Covalent Inhibitor ATI-2138 potently inhibits ITK/TXK and JAK3 in cells and in whole blood Assay Description ATI-2138 IC50 (nM) Assay ITK/TXK activity 7 Jurkat pPLCγ-1 JAK1/3 activity 20 PBMC pSTAT-5 BTK activity 52 Ramos pPLCγ-2 Both ITK/TXK and JAK3 13 HWB αCD3/IL15 IFNγ Cellular Inhibition of JAK and ITK/TXK Co-Crystal Structure of ATI-2138/ITK Covalent Bond between ATI-2138 and ITK Crystal structure definitively shows ATI-2138 covalent binding to ITK ATI-2138 Covalent bond between ITKcys and ATI-2138 *Data on file 31


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved ATI-2138 reduced inflammation and bone mineral density loss Rat Adjuvant Induced Arthritis (AIA) Model: ATI-2138 Reduced Inflammation and Protected Bone VEH QD ATI-2138-10-QD ATI-2138-30-QD ATI-2138-5-BID ATI-2138-15-BID 120 140 160 180 200 220 ATI-2138 bone mineral density in rat AIA study B M D ( m g / c m 2 ) **** **** **** **** **** p <0.00001 Adjuvant induced bony destruction of rat hindlimb Attenuation of AIA induced joint destruction with ATI- 2138 *Data on file ATI-2138 Vehicle ATI-2138-10-QD ATI-2138 30 QD ATI-2138 5 BID ATI-2138 15 BID 7 8 9 10 11 12 A n k l e D i a m e t e r , m m Day 23 ankle diameter Measure ankle diameter Weigh every other day Male Lewis Rat Day 0 Inject with adjuvant Day 6 Begin PO dosing of ATI-2138 Day 12 Day 23 Histology, BMD 32


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved Biopharmaceutical Company Cash Position $91 million as of September 30, 2019 Commitment to Patients Focus on addressing the needs of patients with immuno-inflammatory diseases who lack satisfactory treatment options Research and Development Scientific leadership in immuno-inflammatory diseases - innovative clinical and regulatory strategies Executive Team Proven track record of R&D and business development Pipeline Multiple therapeutic programs ranging from discovery to Phase 3 Intellectual Property Global IP estate - 43 issued patents and 29 pending applications on ATI-450 and earlier programs KINect™ Technology Platform Proprietary discovery engine enables targeted design of novel drug candidates IP 33


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved Catalysts Milestone 2019 2020 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 A-101 45% Common Warts Phase 3 Data (THWART-1, THWART-2) ✓ Immuno-Inflammatory ATI-450 (MK2 Inhibitor) - Initiate Phase 1 Trial ✓ ATI-450 (MK2 Inhibitor) - Phase 1 Data ATI-450 (MK2 Inhibitor) - Initiate Phase 2 Trial in Rheumatoid Arthritis ATI-450 (MK2 Inhibitor) - Phase 2 Data in RA ATI-1777 (Soft-JAK) – Submit IND ATI-1777 (Soft-JAK) – Initiate Phase 1/2 Trial ATI-2138 (ITK/JAK3) – Submit IND 34


GRAPHIC

© Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2019 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved THANK YOU EMPOWERING PATIENTS THROUGH KINOME INNOVATION