8-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 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): January 9, 2023

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 January 11, 2023, management of Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”) will present a company overview at the 41st Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference and at one-on-one investor meetings. 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
Number	Exhibit Description
99.1	Company Presentation.
104	The cover page from Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc.’s Form 8-K filed on January 9, 2023, formatted in Inline XBRL.

2

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/ Douglas Manion
Date: January 9, 2023		Douglas Manion
		Chief Executive Officer and President

3

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

© Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) © Copyright 2023 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (PP -- US - 0782 1/09) 41 st Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference January 2023 EMPOWERING PATIENTS THROUGH KINOME INNOVATION

© Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) © Copyright 2023 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (PP -- US - 0782 1/09) Cautionary Note Regarding Forward - Looking Statements 2 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 o n Aclaris' current beliefs and expectations. These forward - looking statements include expectations regarding Aclaris’ development of its drug candidates, including the timing of its clinical trials and regulatory submissions, and its expected cash runway. 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 hav e full control, the uncertainty regarding the COVID - 19 pandemic including its impact on the timing of Aclaris’ regulatory and research and development activities, 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, 2021 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" page of the “Investors” section 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, an d 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. These data involve 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

© Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) © Copyright 2023 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (PP -- US - 0782 1/09) Biotechnology Company Focused on the Kinome People + Platform + Pipeline 3 Note: KINect ® is the registered trademark of Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. Leadership Scientific Discovery led by World Class Kinase Expertise • Kinome experts skilled at developing novel kinase targeted medicines Proven Operational and Clinical Development Leadership Team in Place Innovative pipeline (investigational drug candidates) Zunsemetinib (ATI - 450) - MK2i • Oral anti - TNF α, anti - IL17, anti - IL1, anti - IL6 ATI - 1777 - Topical “Soft” JAK1/3i • Tissue specific therapy ATI - 2138 - ITK/JAK3i • Oral dual inhibitor of T cell and cytokine receptors KINect ® Platform Proprietary Kinase Discovery Engine • Versatile discovery platform • Fully integrated discovery and development team • Advancing small molecule drug candidates designed to parallel or exceed efficacy of high - value biologics Development of Small Molecule Therapeutics for Immuno - inflammatory Diseases

© Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) © Copyright 2023 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (PP -- US - 0782 1/09) The Kinase Opportunity Unlocking the Potential of the Kinome 4 Note: All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 1. GoodRx. Accessed January 4, 2023. https://www.goodrx.com/kinase - inhibitors ; 2. Data on file; 3. Oprea TI, et al. Unexplored opportunities in the druggable human genome. Nature Rev Drug Discov. Poster Jan. 2017; 4. Manning G, et al. Science. 2002;298(5600):1912 - 1934; 5. Oprea TI, et al. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2018;17(5):31 7 - 332. Medically Important and Productive Target Class Most Members of the Kinome Remain Unexplored Oncology Non - Oncology >70 Marketed Drugs 1 ~$48B 2,3 Annual Sales of Kinase Drugs 518 Members >90% of the Human Kinome remains undrugged 5 Creating New Medicines Targeting Previously Inaccessible Kinome Targets 4

© Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) © Copyright 2023 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (PP -- US - 0782 1/09) Precision Immunology with the KINect Platform Demonstrated Success in Reversible and Covalent MOA 5 MK2 Inhibitors Unique kinase complex inhibitor • Zunsemetinib (ATI - 450), ATI - 2231: Oral anti - TNF, anti - IL17, anti - IL1, and anti - IL6 • Novel approach for a difficult to target kinase • Broad potential in several immuno - inflammatory diseases Covalent inhibition for difficult - to - target kinase • ATI - 2138: ITK/JAK3 Oral T cell kinase inhibitor for autoimmune diseases Tailoring physico - chemical and potency properties • ATI - 1777: Skin specific (Soft) topical JAK1/3 • Oral Gut - biased JAK inhibitors • Goal: Comparable clinical efficacy with improved safety profile Tissue Restricted JAK Inhibitors Covalent ITK Inhibitors Small Molecule Therapeutics Targeting Multi - billion Dollar Immunology and Inflammation Markets

© Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) © Copyright 2023 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (PP -- US - 0782 1/09) Drug Development Pipeline 6 Drug Candidate / Program Target Route of Administration Indication Development Phase Topline Data Expected Immuno - Inflammatory Diseases Zunsemetinib (ATI - 450) MK2 inhibitor Oral Rheumatoid arthritis (moderate to severe) Phase 2b H2 2023 Hidradenitis suppurativa (moderate to severe) Phase 2a Mid H1 2023 Psoriatic arthritis (moderate to severe) Phase 2a YE 2023 ATI - 1777 “Soft” JAK 1/3 i nhibitor Topical Atopic dermatitis (moderate to severe) Phase 2b Mid 2023 ATI - 2138 ITK/JAK3 inhibitor Oral T cell - mediated autoimmune diseases Phase 1 Multiple Ascending Dose H2 2023 Gut - Biased Program JAK inhibitor Oral Inflammatory bowel disease Discovery Oncology ATI - 2231 MK2 inhibitor Oral Metastatic breast cancer Preclinical Pancreatic cancer

© Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) © Copyright 2023 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (PP -- US - 0782 1/09) 7 Zunsemetinib (ATI - 450): MK2 Inhibitor (Investigational Drug Candidate)

© Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) © Copyright 2023 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (PP -- US - 0782 1/09) Evolution in Understanding of a Well - Known Path 8 Note: Wang C, et al. J Exp Med. 2018;215(5):1315 - 1325; Cheung P, et al. EMBO J. 2003;22(21):5793 - 5805; Muniyappa H, et al. Cell Signal. 2008;20(4):675 – 683;. Ma W, et al. J Biol Chem. 2001;276(17):13664 - 13674. The Path From p38α to MK2 p38α was initially targeted for suppressing TNFα and other pro - inflammatory cytokines Global p38α inhibitors have exhibited toxicity and/or lack of sustained efficacy “tachyphylaxis” in RA and IBD p38α phosphorylates over 60 substrates ─ yet MK2 drives the pro - inflammatory node of this pathway MK2 has been a high priority therapeutic target since 1999 but has proven very difficult to drug Inflammatory/Stress Stimuli p38 α Anti - inflammatory Negative Feedback Cellular Function Pro - inflammatory MK2 TNFα IL17 IL1α/ β IL6 IL8

© Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) © Copyright 2023 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (PP -- US - 0782 1/09) Novel Mechanism: Locking MK2 in an Inactive State 9 Note: Wang C, et al. J Exp Med. 2018;215(5):1315 - 1325. • In the nucleus, inactive MK2 and p38α dock in a high affinity complex that generates a binding pocket formed by juxtaposed walls of both proteins • Zunsemetinib binds to both walls of the pocket, stabilizing the complex and preventing MK2 activation Crystal structure of the p38α/MK2 complex Zunsemetinib (yellow) docked in the pocket Binding Pocket ATI - 450 (yellow) p38 α (green) MK2 (white) Zunsemetinib locks MK2 in a catalytically inactive state – a unique MOA

© Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) © Copyright 2021 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (PP -- US - 0770 8/22) Zunsemetinib: Investigational Small Molecule, Oral MK2 Inhibitor Designed to Block the Targets of Broadly - Used Biologics 10 1. Data on file; 2. Fortune Business Insights. Accessed January 4, 2023. https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry - reports/immunology - market - 100657 ; MK2 drives pro - inflammatory cytokine expression By inhibiting multiple cytokines, zunsemetinib may be a potential treatment for multiple diseases Potential alternative to injectable, anti - cytokine biologics and JAK inhibitors for immuno - inflammatory diseases Global immunology market valued at >$ 97 B in 2021 2 Inhibiting MK2 blocks TNF a , IL17, IL1 a/b and IL6 1 , the targets of commercially successful biologics IL17 TNF a IL6 IL1 a/b RA JIA RP HS GCA CRS SSC - ILD CAPS PsO AS PsA IBD AS: Ankylosing Spondylitis, other Spondyloarthropathies CAPS: Cryopyrin - associated Periodic Syndromes, other periodic fever syndromes GCA: Giant Cell Arteritis HS: Hidradenitis Suppurativa IBD: Inflammatory Bowel Disease JIA: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis PsA: Psoriatic Arthritis PsO: Plaque Psoriasis RA: Rheumatoid Arthritis RP: Recurrent Pericarditis SSc - ILD: Scleroderma - associated interstitial lung disease

© Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) © Copyright 2023 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (PP -- US - 0782 1/09) Zunsemetinib Demonstrated Strong Inhibition Across Key Cytokines 11 Note: Data on file Zunsemetinib dosed orally BID for 7 days in healthy subjects at doses of 10, 30 or 50 mg in Phase 1 hPBMC treated with antiCD3/28 for 72 hr in - vitro TNF a IL1 b Log [zunsemetinib] (nM)

© Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) © Copyright 2023 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (PP -- US - 0782 1/09) Zunsemetinib Phase 2a Trial in Rheumatoid Arthritis Summary of Clinical Data 12 Summary of Efficacy Endpoints Potent and Durable Clinical Efficacy with 50mg Main Objectives of POC Study were addressed Potent and durable clinical efficacy with 50mg BID: • DAS - 28 - CRP reduction persisted • ACR effect comparable to other mechanisms • hsCRP reduction maintained Zunsemetinib was generally well tolerated

© Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) © Copyright 2023 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (PP -- US - 0782 1/09) On - Going Phase 2 Studies: Zunsemetinib 13 Hidradenitis Suppurativa 12 - week phase 2a randomized trial Psoriatic Arthritis 12 - week phase 2a randomized trial Trial size: 95 subjects Dose arms: Randomized 1:1 to Zunsemetinib 50 mg BID and placebo Entry criteria: Moderate - severe HS Expected Topline Data: Mid - 1H 2023 Trial size: 70 subjects Dose arms: Randomized 1:1 to Zunsemetinib 50 mg BID and placebo Entry criteria: Moderate - severe PsA unresponsive to ≥ 1 non - biologic DMARD Expected Topline Data: YE 2023 Rheumatoid Arthritis 12 - week phase 2b randomized trial Trial size: 240 subjects Dose arms: Randomized 1:1:1 to Zunsemetinib 50 mg BID, 20 mg BID and placebo Entry criteria: Moderate - severe RA on methotrexate Expected Topline Data: 2H 2023

© Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) © Copyright 2023 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (PP -- US - 0782 1/09) 14 ATI - 1777 (Topical “Soft” JAK Inhibitor) (Investigational Drug Candidate)

© Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) © Copyright 2023 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (PP -- US - 0782 1/09) Aiming to Develop an Effective and Safe Therapy for Atopic Dermatitis 15 1. Medscape. Accessed January 7, 2023. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1049085 - overview .. 2. Silverberg J. Dermatol Clin. 2017;Jul;35(3):283 - 289; 3. Auster M, et al. Something Big Is Getting Bigger [research note]. Credit Suisse Equity Research; 2019; 4. Shreberk - Hassidim R, et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;Apr;76(4):7 45 - 753. Goal Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, pruritic inflammatory skin condition 1 • The U.S. prevalence of AD is reported to be 11.3 – 12.7% in children and 6.9 – 7.6% in adults 2 • Market projected to be $8 - 12 billion at peak (moderate to severe AD) 3 • Systemic and topical JAK inhibition has demonstrated promising results in AD clinical trials 4 • Comparable efficacy to other topical JAKs but a “soft” drug to minimize the potential for systemic toxicities • JAK1/3 selective to minimize JAK2 mediated hematopoietic effects • Patients with moderate to severe AD • Deliver in a patient - friendly formulation ATI - 1777 (investigational compound) • First - in - human Phase 2a trial in subjects with moderate to severe AD completed • 4 - week trial in subjects with moderate to severe AD completed with primary endpoint of % change from baseline in mEASI • Phase 2b dose ranging study underway

© Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) © Copyright 2023 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (PP -- US - 0782 1/09) Positive Data Demonstrated in ATI - 1777 Phase 2 Study in Atopic Dermatitis 16 0 20 40 60 80 100 mEASI50 mEASI75 mEASI90 ATI-1777 Vehicle Primary Efficacy Endpoint: % Change in mEASI – LOCF (FAS) % Change in mEASI - LOCF (95% CI) Secondary Efficacy Endpoint: mEASI50/75/90 at Day 28 (FAS) Note: (FAS): Full Analysis Set Phase 2a Trial Highlights • ATI - 1777 achieved statistically significant result in the primary efficacy endpoint at week 4 • Positive trends were observed in secondary endpoints including improvement of itch, percent of mEASI - 50 responders, IGA responder analysis and reduction in BSA impacted by disease • ATI - 1777 was generally well tolerated

© Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) © Copyright 2023 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (PP -- US - 0782 1/09) Low Plasma Levels of ATI - 1777 Following Topical Application 17 Note: Data on file • All concentrations < ½ IC 50 (IC 50 = 36 ng/mL for JAK1/3) • >86% of samples tested following ATI - 1777 administration exhibited blood levels below the detectable level • Average concentration in subjects receiving ATI - 1777 solution was never >5% the IC 50 • Only 3 subjects (6 out of 148 total samples) with concentrations > 1/10 th the IC 50 PK Plasma Concentrations of ATI - 1777 in Subjects ATI - 1777 Concentrations (ng/mL)

© Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) © Copyright 2023 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (PP -- US - 0782 1/09) ATI - 1777 Status 18 Positive Proof of Concept First in Human Study • Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis ✓ Traditionally the domain of systemic therapy • Rapid and continuing improvement over 4 weeks • PK supports lack of systemic drug penetration • Generally, well tolerated Phase 2b Data Upcoming in Atopic Dermatitis (Expected Mid - Year 2023) Licensing Agreement with Pediatrix Therapeutics for Greater China Potential Positioning in Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis • Monotherapy • Combination therapy with biologics to potentially drive improved efficacy 1 1. Reich, Teixeira, Bruin - Weller, Bieber, Lancet 397, Issue 10290, P2169 - 2181, June 5, 2021 Note: Data on file

© Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) © Copyright 2023 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (PP -- US - 0782 1/09) 19 ATI - 2138 (ITK/JAK3 Inhibitor) (Investigational Drug Candidate)

© Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) © Copyright 2023 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (PP -- US - 0782 1/09) ATI - 2138: Covalent ITK/JAK3 Inhibitor with Potential for Ulcerative Colitis and other T Cell - Mediated Diseases 20 1. Data on file; 2. Graham RM. Cleve Clin J Med. 1994;61(4):308 - 313; 3. Siliciano JD, et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1992;89(2 3):11194 – 11198; 4. Robinson MF, et al. [published online ahead of print, 2020 May 18]. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2020; 5. Russell SM, et al. Science. 1995;270(5237):797 - 800 • ATI - 2138 covalently blocks ITK/JAK3 1 ✓ Potential for synergistic efficacy • ITK required for T cell receptor (TCR) signaling • JAK3 required for IL2Rγ common cytokines (IL - 2/4/7/9/15/21) • JAK3 is the only JAK that is inhibited • Tissue restricted expression could enhance safety • ATI - 2138 is selective for T cell signaling 2,3 • ATI - 2138 has the potential to treat T cell - mediated autoimmune diseases 4,5 • Phase 1 Single Ascending Dose Study successfully completed • New IND submitted to Division of Gastroenterology in October 2022 • Phase 1 Multiple Ascending Dose Study initiated • Phase 2a Proof of Concept study in Ulcerative Colitis under development Background Status

© Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) © Copyright 2023 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (PP -- US - 0782 1/09) Simultaneous Stimulation of the ITK and JAK3 Pathways was Dose - Dependently Inhibited by ATI - 2138 21 Assesses modulation of both ITK and JAK3 via αCD3/IL - 15 - induced IFNγ protein production Pharmacodynamic Dual Stimulation Assay Phase 1 SAD Trial Highlights • Safety Profile ✓ ATI - 2138 was generally well tolerated at all doses tested in the trial up to 80mg single dose • PK ✓ The PK data demonstrated dose - dependent exposure ✓ Terminal half - life ranged from 1.5 – 2.5 hours • PD ✓ Dose - dependent inhibition of both ITK and JAK3 exploratory PD biomarkers was observed

© Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) © Copyright 2023 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (PP -- US - 0782 1/09) cGvHD Genital Psoriasis Acute Inflammatory Psoriasis Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis Asthma SLE RA Crohn’s Disease Transplant Ulcerative Colitis Ulcerative Colitis Selected as First Indication for Proof of Concept Wide Array of Disease Targets for ATI - 2138 22 • Genetic linkage of the ITK locus to a murine model of disease 1 • Elevated expression of ITK in colonic mucosa of UC patients 1 • Similar T cell signaling of pathway of cyclosplorine, a successful treatment for US that bears significant toxicity risks • Continued need for new treatment approaches in UC, with increasing incidence and prevalence expected in the future 2 1. Gastroenterology 2021; 161:1270 - 87; 2. Lancet GI&Hep, 2020. 5(1)17 - 30. Psoriatic Arthritis Acute Inflammatory Psoriasis Atopic Dermatitis Palmoplantar Pustulosis PSC Peripheral T cell Lymphoma Ulcerative Colitis Celiac Disease Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Disease

© Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) © Copyright 2023 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (PP -- US - 0782 1/09) 23 Corporate Highlights

© Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) © Copyright 2023 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (PP -- US - 0782 1/09) Empowering Patients Through Kinome Innovation 24 Proven track record of R&D, business development and scientific leadership in immuno - inflammatory diseases Proprietary discovery engine enables targeted design of novel drug candidates Multiple therapeutic programs ranging from discovery to clinical development Executive Team KINect Technology Platform Pipeline Intellectual Property Financial Strength Global IP estate Ended Q3 2022 with $248M of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities and cash runway expected through end of 2025 Focus on addressing the needs of patients with immuno - inflammatory diseases who lack satisfactory treatment options Commitment to Patients

© Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) © Copyright 2023 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (PP -- US - 0782 1/09) Experienced Leadership Team 25 Douglas Manion Chief Executive Officer Joseph Monahan Chief Scientific Officer James Loerop Chief Business Officer Gail Cawkwell Chief Medical Officer Kevin Balthaser Chief Financial Officer Matthew Rothman General Counsel Over 25 years Pharmaceutical Industry Experience Former EVP of R&D at Arena Pharmaceuticals Former CEO of Kleo Pharmaceuticals Former R&D leadership roles at BMS, GSK and DuPont Pharmaceuticals Over 35 years pharmaceutical research experience Lead Founder and Former CSO of Confluence Life Sciences Former Pfizer Leader of Global Kinase Team > 100 publications and patents (>30 total on kinases) Over 30 years of large pharma and biotech business development experience Former EVP of BD and Strategic Planning at Anika Therapeutics Former Business Development leadership roles at Alexion, GSK and Stifel Laboratories Pediatric rheumatologist and epidemiologist with over 20 years of pharmaceutical development and medical affairs experience Former SVP of Medical Affairs and Safety at Intercept Pharmaceuticals Former leadership roles at Pfizer and other pharmaceutical companies Over 13 years of financial leadership including 10 years in the pharmaceutical industry Former accounting and finance roles at Lannett Company, Inc. and Pricewaterhouse Coopers, LLP. Certified Public Accountant Over a decade of legal leadership experience Former corporate and securities group associate at Dechert LLP

© Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) © Copyright 2023 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (PP -- US - 0782 1/09) Drug Development Pipeline 26 Drug Candidate / Program Target Route of Administration Indication Partner Development Phase Immuno - Inflammatory Diseases Zunsemetinib (ATI - 450) MK2 inhibitor Oral Rheumatoid arthritis (moderate to severe) Phase 2b Hidradenitis suppurativa (moderate to severe) Phase 2a Psoriatic arthritis (moderate to severe) Phase 2a ATI - 1777 “Soft” JAK 1/3 i nhibitor Topical Atopic dermatitis (moderate to severe) Phase 2b ATI - 2138 ITK/JAK3 inhibitor Oral T cell - mediated autoimmune diseases Phase 1 Gut - Biased Program JAK inhibitor Oral Inflammatory bowel disease Discovery Oncology ATI - 2231 MK2 inhibitor Oral Metastatic breast cancer Preclinical Pancreatic cancer Note 1: In November 2022, Aclaris Therapeutics and Pediatrix Therapeutics Announced a License Agreement for ATI - 1777 in Greater China 2: All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

© Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) © Copyright 2023 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (PP -- US - 0782 1/09) 2023 Expected Data Readouts 27 Q4 2022 Mid 2023 H2 2023 Mid H1 2023 H2 2023 Initiated ATI - 2138 Multiple Ascending Dose Phase 1 ATI - 1777 AD Phase 2b ATI - 2138 Phase 1 Multiple Ascending Dose ATI - 450 HS Phase 2a ATI - 450 RA Phase 2b YE 2023 ATI - 450 PsA Phase 2a

XML

Document and Entity Information	Jan. 09, 2023
Document and Entity Information
Document Type	8-K
Document Period End Date	Jan. 09, 2023
Entity File Number	001-37581
Entity Registrant Name	Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	46-0571712
Entity Address, Address Line One	640 Lee Road
Entity Address, Adress Line Two	Suite 200
Entity Address, City or Town	Wayne
Entity Address, State or Province	PA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	19087
City Area Code	484
Local Phone Number	324-7933
Written Communications	false
Soliciting Material	false
Pre-commencement Tender Offer	false
Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.00001 par value
Trading Symbol	ACRS
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Central Index Key	0001557746
Amendment Flag	false