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): November 16, 2024

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.)

701 Lee Road, Suite 103

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 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

Exclusive License Agreement, Collaboration Agreement and Warrants

On November 18, 2024, Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”) entered into an exclusive license agreement (the “License Agreement”) with Biosion, Inc. (“Biosion”), pursuant to which the Company received the exclusive, worldwide (excluding Mainland China, Macau, Hong Kong and Taiwan) (the “Territory”) rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize BSI-045B, an anti-TSLP monoclonal antibody, and BSI-502, a bispecific antibody that is directed against both TSLP and IL4R (collectively, the “Licensed Products”) for human diseases. In connection with the License Agreement, on November 18, 2024 the Company also entered into a collaboration agreement (the “Collaboration Agreement”) with Biosion and Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group, Co., Ltd. (“CTTQ”), a licensee of the Licensed Products outside of the Territory, pursuant to which the Company agreed to pay a portion of the consideration described below directly to CTTQ in exchange for certain rights and agreements as described in the Collaboration Agreement.

In consideration of the rights and licenses under the License Agreement and Collaboration Agreement, the Company agreed to, in the aggregate, (i) pay upfront cash consideration of $30.0 million, plus $4.5 million for the reimbursement of certain development costs, (ii) issue warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase 14,281,985 shares of the Company's common stock, $0.00001 par value per share (“Common Stock”), (ii) pay $6.2 million for the reimbursement of certain development costs and drug product material as set forth in the License Agreement, (iii) make payments of (A) up to $125 million upon the achievement of specified regulatory milestones commencing with product approval as set forth in the License Agreement, and (B) up to $795 million upon the achievement of specified sales milestones as set forth in the License Agreement, (iv) pay a tiered low-to-mid single digit royalty based upon a percentage of annual net sales, subject to specified reductions as set forth in the License Agreement, and (v) pay a portion of any sublicense consideration received from the grant of any sublicense or similar rights under any of the rights or licenses granted to the Company under the License Agreement. The License Agreement will remain in effect until it expires on a product-by-product and country-by-country basis at the end of the royalty term.  The Company and Biosion each have the right to terminate the License Agreement in its entirety for insolvency of the other party, and in its entirety or on a product-by-product or region-by-region basis for material breach by the other party. The Company may also terminate the License Agreement in its entirety, or on a product-by-product basis, for convenience with prior written notice. Biosion may also terminate the License Agreement in its entirety in the event of any patent challenge by the Company.

The Warrants have an initial exercise price of $0.00001 per share, subject to adjustment as provided in the Warrants. The Warrants are immediately exercisable, subject to any applicable overseas direct investment filing that may be required for the holders. The Warrants will terminate when exercised in full.

The Collaboration Agreement includes various cooperation covenants and indemnities. The Collaboration Agreement will remain in effect until the expiration or termination of the License Agreement, or upon earlier termination by mutual consent.

The foregoing descriptions of the License Agreement, Collaboration Agreement and Warrants do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the License Agreement, Collaboration Agreement and Warrants, which the Company intends to file as exhibits to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024.

Private Placement

On November 18, 2024, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with accredited investors (the “Investors”), pursuant to which the Company, in a private placement, agreed to issue and sell to the Investors an aggregate of 35,555,555 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, at a price per share of $2.25 (the “Shares”), for gross proceeds of approximately $80.0 million (the “Private Placement”). Leerink Partners LLC and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. acted as placement agents for the Private Placement.  The Company agreed to pay the placement agents an aggregate fee equal to 6% of the gross proceeds from the Private Placement plus the reimbursement of certain expenses. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Private Placement to fund the research and development of its pipeline and for general corporate purposes. The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations and warranties of the Company, on the one hand, and the Investors, on the other hand, and customary conditions to closing. The closing

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of the Private Placement is expected to occur on November 19, 2024.

In connection with the Private Placement, the Company also entered into a Registration Rights Agreement, dated November 18, 2024 (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) with the Investors. Pursuant to the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company is obligated to prepare and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a registration statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”) to register for resale the Shares within 30 days of the closing date of the Private Placement, and to use its reasonable best efforts to have the Registration Statement declared effective within 75 days of the initial filing date of the Registration Statement, subject to extension under the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement.

The Company has also agreed to, among other things, indemnify the Investors and their members, directors, officers, partners, employees, managers, agents, representatives and advisors under the Registration Statement from certain liabilities and pay the fees and expenses incident to the Company’s obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement.

The foregoing descriptions of the Purchase Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the form of Purchase Agreement and the form of Registration Rights Agreement, which are filed as Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2, respectively, to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.

The representations, warranties and covenants contained in the Purchase Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement were made solely for the benefit of the parties to the Purchase Agreement and Registration Rights Agreement and may be subject to limitations agreed upon by the contracting parties. Accordingly, the Purchase Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement are incorporated herein by reference only to provide investors with information regarding the terms of the Purchase Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement and not to provide investors with any other factual information regarding the Company or its business, and should be read in conjunction with the disclosures in the Company’s periodic reports and other filings with the SEC.

Item 3.02 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.

Warrants

The Warrants have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Warrants were issued pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Regulation S adopted under the Securities Act for offers and sales to a non “U.S. Person” in an “Offshore Transaction”, as those terms are defined in Regulation S.

Private Placement

The Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act. Based in part upon the representations of the Investors in the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company relied on the exemption afforded by Regulation D under the Securities Act, and corresponding provisions of state securities or “blue sky” laws. Each of the Investors has represented that it is an “accredited investor” as defined in Regulation D of the Securities Act and that it is acquiring the securities for investment only and not with a view towards, or for resale in connection with, the public sale or distribution thereof, and appropriate legends will be affixed to the securities. The sale of the securities did not involve a public offering and was made without general solicitation or general advertising.

Neither this Current Report on Form 8-K nor any exhibit attached hereto is an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company.

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Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

Appointment of Hugh Davis, PhD., as President and Chief Operating Officer, and Class III Director

On November 16, 2024, the board of directors (the “Board”) of the Company appointed Hugh Davis, Ph.D., as the Company’s President and Chief Operating Officer effective  November 18, 2024. In connection with Dr. Davis’s appointment, Neal Walker will no longer serve as the Company’s President but will continue to serve as the Company’s Interim Chief Executive Officer. The Board also appointed Dr. Davis to the Board, effective November 18, 2024, to serve as a Class III director to hold office until the 2027 annual meeting of stockholders and until his successor is duly elected and qualified, or his earlier death, resignation or removal. There is no arrangement or understanding between Dr. Davis and any other person pursuant to which he was selected as an officer or director of the Company, and there is no family relationship between Dr. Davis and any of the Company’s directors or other executive officers. There are no related party transactions between Dr. Davis and the Company that would require disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

Additional biographical information about Dr. Davis is set forth below.

Hugh Davis, age 66, previously held various roles at Biosion, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, beginning in March 2020, including as Chief Operating Officer of Biosion Inc., President of Biosion USA, Inc., and, most recently, as Biosion’s Chief Business & Development Officer and President. Dr. Davis has also served as a member of the Board of Directors of Biosion, Inc. since March 2020. From 2018 to February 2020, Dr. Davis served as Chief Business Officer at Frontage Laboratories, Inc. He previously served in a series of leadership roles at Janssen R&D/Johnson & Johnson, including as Vice President & Head, Biologics Development Sciences, Biophysics and Laboratory Operations. Dr. Davis’s previous biopharmaceutical experience includes leadership roles at GlaxoSmithKline and Rhone-Poulenc Rorer. Dr. Davis earned Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in Biochemistry from Villanova University and a B.S. degree in Chemistry from Gannon University.

The Company has entered into an employment agreement with Dr. Davis, dated November 18, 2024 (the “Davis Employment Agreement”). The Davis Employment Agreement has an initial term of two years and thereafter shall be automatically renewed for successive one-year periods unless either party elects not to renew the agreement at least 90 days prior to the expiration of the applicable term. Pursuant to the Davis Employment Agreement, Dr. Davis will receive an annual base salary of $500,000, which may be increased by the Board in its sole discretion. Dr. Davis will also be eligible to receive a target annual bonus equal to up to 40% of the annual base salary, subject to the achievement of performance goals to be determined by the Board.

In connection with his appointment, the Board approved the grant of a nonqualified stock option to purchase 375,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock and a restricted stock unit award for 107,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, each with a grant date of December 2, 2024.  The stock option award and restricted stock unit award are being granted as an inducement material to Dr. Davis becoming an employee of the Company in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).  The nonqualified stock option will have an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of grant. The restricted stock units will vest, and the option will vest and become exercisable, as to 25% of the shares underlying each grant on the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date, subject to Dr. Davis’s Continuous Service (as defined in the 2024 Inducement Plan (as defined below)) as of each such vesting date.

Under the Davis Employment Agreement, if Dr. Davis’s employment with the Company ends due to his death or “disability”, his resignation for “good reason” or his termination by the Company other than for “cause,” each as defined in the Davis Employment Agreement, in either case that does not occur on or within three months prior to or within 12 months after the effective date of a “change of control” (as defined in the Davis Employment Agreement), he will be  entitled to receive (i) continuation of his then-current base salary for a period of 12 months; (ii) a lump sum payment of any approved but unpaid bonuses or portion thereof for the preceding year or the year of termination; and (iii) continued health benefits under COBRA for up to 12 months. Dr. Davis would also receive the foregoing benefits in the event his employment is terminated upon non-renewal of the Davis Employment Agreement by the Company.    

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In the case Dr. Davis’s employment with the Company ends due to his death or “disability”, his resignation for “good reason” or his termination by the Company other than for “cause,” in either case that occurs on or within three months prior to or within 12 months after the effective date of a “change of control”, then he is entitled to receive, in addition to the benefits described in the preceding paragraph, (i) an additional lump sum payment equal to his target bonus; and (ii) acceleration of all unvested equity awards.

The foregoing benefits are conditioned, among other things, on Dr. Davis’s compliance with his post-termination obligations under the Davis Employment Agreement and his execution of a general release of claims in favor of the Company.

Dr. Davis has also entered into the Company’s standard form of indemnification agreement.

The foregoing summary of the Davis Employment Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Davis Employment Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.3 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

(e)Adoption of 2024 Inducement Plan

On November 16, 2024, the Board adopted the Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. 2024 Inducement Plan (the “2024 Inducement Plan”), effective immediately, pursuant to which the Company reserved 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance. The only persons eligible to receive grants of Awards (as defined below) under the 2024 Inducement Plan are individuals who satisfy the standards for inducement grants under Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(c)(4) and the related guidance under Nasdaq IM 5635-1, including individuals who were not previously an employee or director of the Company or who become an employee following a bona fide period of non-employment, in each case as an inducement material to such individual’s agreement to enter into employment with the Company. An “Award” is any right to receive the Company’s Common Stock pursuant to the 2024 Inducement Plan, consisting of nonstatutory stock options and restricted stock unit awards. On November 16, 2024, the Board also adopted forms of stock option grant notice and agreement and restricted stock unit grant notice and agreement for use with the 2024 Inducement Plan.

The foregoing summary of the 2024 Inducement Plan is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 2024 Inducement Plan, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.4 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference. The forms of notices and agreements for use with the 2024 Inducement Plan are attached as Exhibits 10.5 and 10.6 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.

On November 18, 2024, the Company issued a press release announcing, among other things, entry into the License Agreement and that the Company will host a conference call to discuss the License Agreement and provide a corporate update. On November 18, 2024, the Company also issued a press release announcing the Private Placement.  A copy of the press releases are furnished as Exhibit 99.1 and Exhibit 99.2 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 and Exhibit 99.2 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 under 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 8.01 Other Events.

A copy of the slide presentation that will accompany the conference call referenced above in Item 7.01 is filed as Exhibit 99.3 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

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Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits

Exhibit
Number	Exhibit Description
10.1	Form of Securities Purchase Agreement, dated November 18, 2024, by and between the Company and the investors named therein.
10.2	Form of Registration Rights Agreement, dated November 18, 2024, by and between the Company and the investors named therein.
10.3	Employment Agreement, dated as of November 18, 2024, by and between the Company and Hugh Davis.
10.4	Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. 2024 Inducement Plan.
10.5	Form of Stock Option Grant Notice and Stock Option Agreement used in connection with the Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. 2024 Inducement Plan.
10.6	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement used in connection with the Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. 2024 Inducement Plan.
99.1	Press Release dated November 18, 2024.
99.2	Press Release dated November 18, 2024.
99.3	Company Presentation.
104	The cover page from Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc.’s Form 8-K filed on November 18, 2024, formatted in Inline XBRL.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Any statements contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K 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 “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “will,” and similar expressions, and are based on the Company’s current beliefs and expectations. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding the term of and the Company’s rights and obligations under the License Agreement and Collaboration Agreement, as well as the closing of the Private Placement and anticipated use of proceeds. 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 risks related to market conditions and the satisfaction of closing conditions for the Private Placement, uncertainties inherent in the conduct of clinical trials, the Company’s reliance on third parties over which it may not always have full control, the Company’s ability to enter into strategic partnerships on commercially reasonable terms, the uncertainty regarding the macroeconomic environment and other risks and uncertainties that are described in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and other filings the Company makes with the SEC from time to time. These documents are available under the “SEC Filings” page of the “Investors” section of the Company’s website at www.aclaristx.com. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Current Report on Form 8-K and are based on information available to the Company as of the date of this Current Report on Form 8-K, and the Company 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.

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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/ Kevin Balthaser
Date: November 18, 2024		Kevin Balthaser
		Chief Financial Officer

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EX-10.1

Exhibit 10.1

SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT

This SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is dated as of November 18, 2024, by and among Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and each of the entities listed on Exhibit A attached to this Agreement (each, an “Investor” and together, the “Investors”).

WHEREAS, the Company and the Investors are executing and delivering this Agreement in reliance upon the exemption from securities registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act;

WHEREAS, the Company desires to sell to the Investors, and each Investor desires to purchase from the Company, severally and not jointly, upon the terms and subject to the conditions stated in this Agreement, shares (the “Shares” or the “Securities”) of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.00001 per share (the “Common Stock”); and

WHEREAS, contemporaneously with the sale of the Shares, the parties hereto will execute and deliver a Registration Rights Agreement, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B, pursuant to which the Company will agree to provide certain registration rights in respect of the Shares under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements, representations, warranties and covenants herein contained, the Company and each Investor, severally and not jointly, agree as follows:

1.Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:

“Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediates, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person.

“Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

“Amended and Restated Bylaws” means the Bylaws of the Company, as currently in effect.

“Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation” means the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as currently in effect.

“Benefit Plan” or “Benefit Plans” means employee benefit plans as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA and all other employee benefit practices or arrangements, including, without limitation, any such practices or arrangements providing severance pay, sick leave, vacation pay, salary continuation for disability, retirement benefits, deferred compensation, bonus pay, incentive pay, stock options or other stock-based compensation, hospitalization insurance, medical insurance, life insurance, scholarships or tuition reimbursements, maintained by the Company or

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to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is obligated to contribute for employees or former employees of the Company and its subsidiaries.

“Board of Directors” means the board of directors of the Company.

“Business Day” means any day except any Saturday, any Sunday, any day which is a federal legal holiday in the United States or any day on which banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or required by law or other governmental action to close.

“Closing” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

“Closing Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

“Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

“Common Stock” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

“Common Stock Equivalents” means any securities of the Company that would entitle the holder thereof to acquire at any time Common Stock, including, without limitation, any debt, preferred stock, rights, options, warrants or other instrument that is at any time convertible into or exchangeable for, or otherwise entitles the holder thereof to receive, Common Stock.

“Company” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

“Confidential Data” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.32.

“Disclosure Document” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3.

“Disqualification Event” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.28.

“Environmental Laws” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.15.

“ERISA” means the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

“Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and all of the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

“Financial Statements” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.8(b).

“Fundamental Representations” means the representations and warranties made by the Company in Sections 3.1 (Organization and Power), 3.2 (Capitalization), 3.4 (Authorization), 3.5 (Valid Issuance), 3.6 (No Conflict), 3.7 (Consents), 3.8 (SEC Filings; Financial Statements), 3.18 (Nasdaq Stock Market), 3.19 (Sarbanes-Oxley Act), 3.23 (Price Stabilization of Common Stock), 3.24 (Investment Company Act), 3.25 (General Solicitation; No Integration or Aggregation), 3.26 (Brokers and Finders), 3.27 (Reliance by the Investors), 3.28 (No Disqualification Events), 3.29 (Other Covered Persons) and 3.30 (No Additional Agreements).

“GAAP” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.8(b).

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“GDPR” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.33.

“Governmental Authorizations” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.11.

“Health Care Laws” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.21.

“HIPAA” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.21.

“HITECH” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.21.

“Indemnified Person” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.9.

“Intellectual Property Assets” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.12.

“Intellectual Property Rights” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.12.

“Investor” and “Investors” have the meanings set forth in the recitals.

“Issuer Covered Person” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.28.

“IT Systems” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.32.

“Material Adverse Effect” means any change, event, circumstance, development, condition, occurrence or effect that, individually or in the aggregate, (a) was, is, or would reasonably be expected to be, materially adverse to the business, financial condition, properties, assets, liabilities, stockholders’ equity or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (b) materially delays or materially impairs the ability of the Company to comply, or prevents the Company from complying, with its obligations under this Agreement, the other Transaction Agreements, or with respect to the Closing, or would reasonably be expected to do so.

“Nasdaq” means the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC.

“National Exchange” means any of the following markets or exchanges on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted for trading on the date in question, together with any successor thereto: the NYSE American, The New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq Global Market, the Nasdaq Global Select Market and the Nasdaq Capital Market.

“Person” means an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, business trust, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture or any other entity or organization.

“Personal Data” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.32.

“Placement Agent(s)” means each of Leerink Partners LLC and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co.

“Privacy Laws” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.33.

“Privacy Statements” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.33.

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“Process” or “Processing” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.33.

“Registration Rights Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(j).

“Regulatory Agencies” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.20.

“Rule 144” means Rule 144 promulgated by the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC having substantially the same effect as such Rule.

“SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

“SEC Reports” means (a) the Company’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and (b) all Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K filed or furnished (as applicable) by the Company following the end of the most recent fiscal year for which an Annual Report on Form 10-K has been filed and prior to the execution of this Agreement, together in each case with any documents incorporated by reference therein or exhibits thereto.

“Securities” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

“Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and all of the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

“Shares” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

“Short Sales” include, without limitation, (a) all “short sales” as defined in Rule 200 promulgated under Regulation SHO under the Exchange Act, whether or not against the box, and all types of direct and indirect stock pledges, forward sale contracts, options, puts, calls, short sales, swaps, “put equivalent positions” (as defined in Rule 16a-1(h) under the Exchange Act) and similar arrangements (including on a total return basis), and (b) sales and other transactions through non-U.S. broker dealers or non-U.S. regulated brokers (but shall not be deemed to include the location and/or reservation of borrowable shares of Common Stock).

“Studies” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.20.

“Tax Returns” means returns, reports, information statements and other documentation (including any additional or supporting material) filed or maintained, or required to be filed or maintained, in connection with the calculation, determination, assessment or collection of any Tax and shall include any amended returns required as a result of examination adjustments made by the Internal Revenue Service or other Tax authority.

“Tax” or “Taxes” means any and all federal, state, local, foreign and other taxes, levies, fees, imposts, duties and charges of whatever kind (including any interest, penalties or additions to the tax imposed in connection therewith or with respect thereto), whether or not imposed on the Company, including, without limitation, taxes imposed on, or measured by, income, franchise, profits or gross receipts, and also ad valorem, value added, sales, use, service, real or personal property, capital stock, license, payroll, withholding, employment, social security, workers’

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compensation, unemployment compensation, utility, severance, production, excise, stamp, occupation, premium, windfall profits, transfer and gains taxes and customs duties.

“Transaction Agreements” means this Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement.

“Transfer Agent” means, with respect to the Common Stock, Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc. or such other financial institution that provides transfer agent services as the Company may engage from time to time.

2.Purchase and Sale of Securities.

2.1Purchase and Sale. On the Closing Date, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein, the Company agrees to sell, and the Investors, severally and not jointly, agree to purchase, the number and type of Securities, for the aggregate purchase price, set forth opposite the Investor’s name on Exhibit A. The price per Share is $2.25.

2.2Closing. Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Section 6 of this Agreement, the closing of the purchase and sale of the Securities (the “Closing” and the date on which the Closing occurs, the “Closing Date”) shall occur remotely via the exchange of documents and signatures at such time as agreed to by the Company and the Investors but (i) in no event earlier than the first Business Day after the date of this Agreement and (ii) in no event later than the fifth Business Day after the date of this Agreement. At the Closing, the Shares shall be issued and registered in the name of the Investor, or in such nominee name(s) as designated by such Investor, representing the number of Shares to be purchased by the Investor at such Closing as set forth in Exhibit A against payment to the Company of the purchase price therefor in full, by wire transfer to the Company of immediately available funds, at or prior to the Closing, in accordance with wire instructions provided by the Company to the Investors no less than one Business Day prior to the Closing. On the Closing Date, the Company will cause the Transfer Agent to issue the Shares in book-entry form, free and clear of all restrictive and other legends (except as expressly provided in Section 4.10). In the event that the Closing has not occurred within one Business Day after the expected Closing Date, unless otherwise agreed by the Company and such Investor, the Company shall promptly (but no later than one Business Day thereafter) return the previously wired amounts to each respective Investor by wire transfer of United States dollars in immediately available funds to the account specified by each Investor, and any book entries for the Securities shall be deemed cancelled; provided that, unless this Agreement has been terminated pursuant to Section 7, such return of funds shall not terminate this Agreement or relieve such Investor of its obligation to purchase, or the Company of its obligation to issue and sell, the Securities at the Closing.

3.Representations and Warranties of the Company. Except as set forth in the SEC Reports (other than as to the Fundamental Representations, which are not so qualified), the Company hereby represents and warrants to each of the Investors and the Placement Agents that the statements contained in this Section 3 are true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and

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as of the Closing Date (except for the representations and warranties that speak as of a specific date, which shall be made as of such date).

3.1Organization and Power. The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, has the requisite power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now conducted and described in the SEC Reports and is qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which the character of its properties or the nature of its business requires such qualification, except where such failure to be in good standing or to have such power and authority or to so qualify would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Each of the Company’s subsidiaries is (i) duly incorporated and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation and has the requisite power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted and to own or lease its properties and (ii) qualified to do business as a foreign corporation and in good standing in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is required, except in each case as would not cause a Material Adverse Effect.

3.2Capitalization. The Company’s disclosure of its authorized, issued and outstanding capital stock in the SEC Reports containing such disclosure was accurate in all material respects as of the date indicated in such SEC Reports. All of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable. None of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company were issued in violation of any preemptive or other similar rights of any securityholder of the Company which have not been waived, and such shares were issued in compliance in all material respects with applicable state and federal securities law and any rights of third parties.

3.3Registration Rights. Except as set forth in the Transaction Agreements or as disclosed in the SEC Reports, the Company is presently not under any obligation, and has not granted any rights, to register under the Securities Act any of the Company’s presently outstanding securities or any of its securities that may hereafter be issued, other than such rights and obligations that have expired or been satisfied or waived.

3.4Authorization. The Company has all requisite corporate power and authority to enter into the Transaction Agreements and to carry out and perform its obligations under the terms of the Transaction Agreements, including the issuance and sale of the Securities. All corporate action on the part of the Company, its officers, directors and stockholders necessary for the authorization of the Shares, the authorization, execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Agreements and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein, including the issuance and sale of the Securities, has been taken. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by each Investor and that this Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and binding agreement of each Investor, this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws relating to or affecting creditors generally or by general equity principles (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law). Upon its execution by the Company and the other parties thereto and assuming that it constitutes legal, valid and binding agreements of the other parties thereto, the Registration Rights Agreement will constitute a legal,

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valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws relating to or affecting creditors generally or by general equity principles (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law). Any member of the Board of Directors who is an Investor or an Affiliate of an Investor recused themselves from all votes of the Board of Directors (or any committee of the Board of Directors) pricing and approving the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreements.

3.5Valid Issuance. The Shares being purchased by the Investors hereunder have been duly and validly authorized and, upon issuance pursuant to the terms of this Agreement against full payment therefor in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and will be issued free and clear of any liens or other restrictions (other than those as provided in the Transaction Agreements or restrictions on transfer under applicable state and federal securities laws), and the holder of the Shares shall be entitled to all rights accorded to a holder of Common Stock. Subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties made by the Investors in Section 4, the offer and sale of the Securities to the Investors is and will be in compliance with applicable exemptions from (i) the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act and (ii) the registration and qualification requirements of applicable securities laws of the states of the United States.

3.6No Conflict. The execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Agreements by the Company, the issuance and sale of the Securities and the consummation of the other transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreements will not (i) violate any provision of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, (ii) conflict with or result in a violation of or default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) under, or give rise to a right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of any obligation, a change of control right or to a loss of a benefit under any agreement or instrument, credit facility, franchise, license, judgment, order, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulations, applicable to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or their respective properties or assets, or (iii) result in a violation of any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment, injunction, decree or other restriction of any court or governmental authority to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject (including federal and state securities laws and regulations) and the rules and regulations of any self-regulatory organization to which the Company or its securities are subject, or by which any property or asset of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is bound or affected, except, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), as would not, individually or in the aggregate, be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

3.7Consents. Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Investors, no consent, approval, authorization, filing with or order of or registration with, any court or governmental agency or body is required in connection with the authorization, execution or delivery by the Company of the Transaction Agreements, the issuance and sale of the Securities and the performance by the Company of its other obligations under the Transaction Agreements, except such as (a) have been or will be obtained or made under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, (b) the filing of any requisite notices and/or application(s) to the National Exchange for the issuance and sale of the Shares and the listing of the Shares for trading or quotation, as the case may be, thereon in the time and manner required thereby, (c) customary post-closing filings with the SEC or pursuant to state securities laws in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares by

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the Company in the manner contemplated herein, which will be filed on a timely basis, and (d) the filing of the registration statement required to be filed by the Registration Rights Agreement, or (e) such that the failure of which to obtain would not have a Material Adverse Effect. All notices, consents, authorizations, orders, filings and registrations which the Company is required to deliver or obtain prior to the Closing pursuant to the preceding sentence have been obtained or made or will be delivered or obtained or effected, and shall remain in full force and effect, on or prior to the Closing.

3.8SEC Filings; Financial Statements.

(a)The Company has filed all forms, statements, certifications, reports and documents required to be filed by it with the SEC under Section 13, 14(a) and 15(d) of the Exchange Act for the one year preceding the date of this Agreement and is in compliance with General Instruction I.A.3 of Form S-3. As of the time it was filed with the SEC (or, if amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date of this Agreement, then on the date of such filing), each of the filed SEC Reports complied in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Exchange Act, and, as of the time they were filed, none of the filed SEC Reports contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. There are no outstanding or unresolved comments from the SEC staff with respect to the SEC Reports. To the Company’s knowledge, none of the SEC Reports are the subject of an ongoing SEC review.

(b)The financial statements of the Company included in the SEC Reports (collectively, the “Financial Statements”) comply in all material respects with applicable accounting requirements and the rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto as in effect at the time of filing (or to the extent corrected by a subsequent restatement) and fairly present in all material respects the consolidated financial position of the Company as of the dates indicated, and the results of its operations and cash flows for the periods therein specified, all in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) (except as otherwise noted therein, and in the case of unaudited financial statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC, and except that the unaudited financial statements may not contain footnotes and are subject to normal and recurring year-end adjustments) applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods therein specified (unless otherwise noted therein). Except as set forth in the Financial Statements filed prior to the date of this Agreement, the Company has not incurred any liabilities, contingent or otherwise, except (i) those incurred in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practices since the date of such financial statements or (ii) liabilities not required under GAAP to be reflected in the Financial Statements, in either case, none of which, individually or in the aggregate, have had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

3.9Absence of Changes. Between December 31, 2023 and the date of this Agreement, (a) the Company has conducted its business only in the ordinary course of business and there have been no material transactions entered into by the Company (except for the execution and performance of this Agreement and the discussions, negotiations and transactions related thereto) that have not been disclosed in the SEC Reports, other than as will be disclosed prior to the Closing Date pursuant to Section 5.3 of this Agreement; (b) no material change to any material contract or arrangement by which the Company is bound or to which any of its assets or properties

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is subject has been entered into that has not been disclosed in the SEC Reports; and (c) there has not been any other event or condition of any character that has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; provided, however, that none of the following will be deemed in themselves, either alone or in combination, to constitute, and that none of the following will be taken into account in determining whether there has been or will be, a Material Adverse Effect under this Section 3.9:

(i)any change generally affecting the economy, financial markets or political, economic or regulatory conditions in the United States or any other geographic region in which the Company conducts business, provided that the Company is not disproportionately affected thereby;

(ii)general financial, credit or capital market conditions, including interest rates or exchange rates, or any changes therein, provided that the Company is not disproportionately affected thereby;

(iii)any change that generally affects industries in which the Company and its subsidiaries conduct business, provided that the Company is not disproportionately affected thereby;

(iv)earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, tornadoes, floods, mudslides, fires or other natural disasters, weather conditions, global pandemics, epidemic or similar health emergency, and other force majeure events in the United States or any other location, provided that the Company is not disproportionately affected thereby;

(v)national or international political or social conditions (or changes in such conditions), whether or not pursuant to the declaration of a national emergency or war, or the occurrence of any military or terrorist attack, provided that the Company is not disproportionately affected thereby;

(vi)material changes in laws after the date of this Agreement; and

(vii)in and of itself, any material failure by the Company to meet any published or internally prepared estimates of revenues, expenses, earnings or other economic performance for any period ending on or after the date of this Agreement (it being understood that the facts and circumstances giving rise to such failure may be deemed to constitute, and may be taken into account in determining whether there has been, a Material Adverse Effect to the extent that such facts and circumstances are not otherwise described in clauses (i)-(v) of this definition).

3.10Absence of Litigation. There is no action, suit, proceeding, arbitration, claim, investigation, charge, complaint or inquiry pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened against the Company or any of its subsidiaries which, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, nor are there any orders, writs, injunctions, judgments or decrees outstanding of any court or government agency or instrumentality and binding upon the Company or any of its subsidiaries that have had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Company nor any subsidiary, nor to the knowledge of the Company, any director or officer of the Company or any subsidiary, is, or within the last ten years has been, the subject of any action involving a claim of

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violation of or liability under federal or state securities laws relating to the Company or such subsidiary or a claim of breach of fiduciary duty relating to the Company or such subsidiary.

3.11Compliance with Law; Permits. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is in violation of, or has received any notices of violations with respect to, any laws, statutes, ordinances, rules or regulations of any governmental body, court or government agency or instrumentality, except for violations which, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company and its subsidiaries have all required licenses, permits, certificates and other authorizations (collectively, “Governmental Authorizations”) from such federal, state or local government or governmental agency, department or body that are currently necessary for the operation of the business of the Company and its subsidiaries as currently conducted, except where the failure to possess currently such Governmental Authorizations has not had and is not reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Company nor any subsidiary has received any written (or, to the Company’s knowledge, oral) notice regarding any revocation or material modification of any such Governmental Authorization, which, individually or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, has or would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

3.12Intellectual Property. The Company and its subsidiaries own or possess the valid right to use all (i) patents, patent applications, trademarks, trademark registrations, service marks, service mark registrations, Internet domain name registrations, copyrights, copyright registrations, licenses, trade secret rights (“Intellectual Property Rights”) and (ii) inventions, software, works of authorships, trademarks, service marks, trade names, databases, formulae, know how, Internet domain names and other intellectual property (including trade secrets and other unpatented and/or unpatentable proprietary confidential information, systems, or procedures) (collectively, “Intellectual Property Assets”) necessary to conduct their respective businesses described in the SEC Reports, except where the failure to own or possess the valid right to use the Intellectual Property Assets would not be reasonably expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The Company and its subsidiaries have not received any opinion from their legal counsel concluding that any activities of their respective businesses infringe, misappropriate, or otherwise violate, valid and enforceable Intellectual Property Rights of any other person. The Company and its subsidiaries have not received written notice of any challenge, which is to their knowledge still pending, by any other person to the rights of the Company and its subsidiaries with respect to any Intellectual Property Rights or Intellectual Property Assets owned or used by the Company or its subsidiaries that would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of the Company, the Company and its subsidiaries’ respective businesses as now conducted do not give rise to any infringement of, any misappropriation of, or other violation of, any valid and enforceable Intellectual Property Rights of any other person. All licenses for the use of the Intellectual Property Rights described in the SEC Reports are valid, binding upon, and enforceable by or against the parties thereto in accordance to its terms. The Company has complied in all material respects with, and is not in breach nor has received any asserted or threatened claim of breach of, any Intellectual Property Rights license, and the Company has no knowledge of any breach or anticipated breach by any other person to any Intellectual Property Rights license. No claim has been made against the Company alleging the infringement by the Company of any patent, trademark, service mark, trade name, copyright, trade secret, license in or other Intellectual Property Right or franchise right of

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any person that would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The Company has taken all reasonable steps to protect, maintain and safeguard its Intellectual Property Rights, including the execution of appropriate nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements. The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not result in the loss or impairment of or payment of any additional amounts with respect to, nor require the consent of any other person in respect of, the Company’s right to own, use, or hold for use any of the Intellectual Property Rights as owned, used or held for use in the conduct of the business as currently conducted.

3.13Employee Benefits. Except as would not be reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each Benefit Plan has been established and administered in accordance with its terms and in compliance with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, as amended, and other applicable laws, rules and regulations. The Company and its subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations regarding employment, except for any failures to comply that are not reasonably likely, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect. There is no labor dispute, strike or work stoppage against the Company or its subsidiaries pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened which may interfere with the business activities of the Company, except where such dispute, strike or work stoppage is not reasonably likely, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.

3.14Taxes. The Company and its consolidated subsidiaries have filed all necessary federal, state and foreign income, property and franchise Tax Returns (or have properly requested extensions thereof) and have paid all taxes required to be paid by any of them and, if due and payable, any related or similar assessment, fine or penalty levied against any of them except as may be being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings. The Company has made adequate charges, accruals and reserves in the applicable Financial Statements referred to in Section 3.8 above in respect of all federal, state and foreign income, property and franchise taxes for all periods as to which the tax liability of the Company or any of its consolidated subsidiaries has not been finally determined.

3.15Environmental Laws. The Company and its subsidiaries (i) are in compliance with any and all applicable foreign, federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of human health and safety, the environment or hazardous or toxic substances or wastes, pollutants or contaminants (“Environmental Laws”), (ii) have received all permits and other Governmental Authorizations required under applicable Environmental Laws to conduct their business and (iii) are in compliance with all terms and conditions of any such permit, license or approval, except where such noncompliance with Environmental Laws, failure to receive required permits, licenses or other approvals or failure to comply with the terms and conditions of such permits, licenses or approvals would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. None of the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has received since December 31, 2023, any written notice or other communication (in writing or otherwise), whether from a governmental authority or other Person, that alleges that the Company or any subsidiary is not in compliance with any Environmental Law and, to the knowledge of the Company, there are no circumstances that may prevent or interfere with the Company’s or any subsidiary’s compliance in any material respects with any Environmental Law in the future, except where such failure to comply would not reasonably be expected to have a

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Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of the Company: (i) no current or (during the time a prior property was leased or controlled by the Company) prior property leased or controlled by the Company or any subsidiary has received since December 31, 2023, any written notice or other communication relating to property owned or leased at any time by the Company, whether from a governmental authority, or other Person, that alleges that such current or prior owner or the Company or any subsidiary is not in compliance with or violated any Environmental Law relating to such property and (ii) the Company has no material liability under any Environmental Law.

3.16Title. Each of the Company and its subsidiaries has good and marketable title to all personal property owned by it that is material to the business of the Company, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and defects except such as do not materially affect the value of such property and do not interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by the Company or its subsidiaries, as the case may be. Any real property and buildings held under lease by the Company or its subsidiaries is held under valid, subsisting and enforceable leases with such exceptions as are not material and do not interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property and buildings by the Company or its subsidiaries, as the case may be. The Company does not own any real property.

3.17Insurance. The Company carries or is entitled to the benefits of insurance in such amounts and covering such risks that is customary for comparably situated companies and is adequate for the conduct of its business and the value of its real and personal properties (owned or leased) and tangible assets, and each of such insurance policies is in full force and effect and the Company is in compliance in all material respects with the terms of such insurance policies. Other than customary end-of-policy notifications from insurance carriers, since December 31, 2023, the Company has not received any notice or other communication regarding any actual or possible: (i) cancellation or invalidation of any material insurance policy or (ii) refusal or denial of any coverage, reservation of rights or rejection of any material claim under any insurance policy.

3.18Nasdaq Stock Market. The issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and are listed for trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “ACRS”. The Company is in compliance with all listing requirements of Nasdaq applicable to the Company. As of the date of this Agreement, there is no suit, action, proceeding or investigation pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company by Nasdaq or the SEC, respectively, to prohibit or terminate the listing of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market or to deregister the Common Stock under the Exchange Act. The Company has taken no action as of the date of this Agreement that is designed to terminate the registration of the Common Stock under the Exchange Act.

3.19Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Company is, and since December 31, 2023, has been, in compliance in all material respects with all applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and applicable rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder.

3.20Clinical Data and Regulatory Compliance. The preclinical tests and clinical trials, and other studies (collectively, “Studies”) conducted by or on behalf of or sponsored by the Company or any of its subsidiaries or in which the Company or any of its subsidiaries or their products or product candidates have participated were and, if still pending, are being conducted in all material respects in accordance with the protocols, procedures and controls designed and

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approved for such Studies and all applicable laws and regulations, including, without limitation, 21 C.F.R. Parts 50, 54, 56, 58, and 312; each description of the results of such Studies is accurate and complete in all material respects and fairly presents the data derived from such Studies, and the Company and its subsidiaries have no knowledge of any other Studies the results of which are inconsistent with, or otherwise call into question, the results described or referred to in the SEC Reports; no investigational new drug application filed by or on behalf of the Company or any of its subsidiaries with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has been terminated or suspended by the FDA, and neither the FDA nor any applicable regulatory agency has commenced, or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened to initiate, any action to place a clinical hold order on, or otherwise terminate or suspend, any proposed or ongoing Studies conducted or proposed to be conducted by or on behalf of the Company or any of its subsidiaries; the Company and its subsidiaries have made all such filings and hold all such permits for the operation of its business required by the FDA or other foreign, federal, state, local or comparable governmental authority responsible for the regulation of research, development, testing, manufacturing, processing, storage, labeling, sale, marketing, advertising, distribution and importation or exportation of drug or biological products and drug or biological product candidates, or Institutional Review Board or comparable entity (collectively, the “Regulatory Agencies”); and the Company and its subsidiaries have fulfilled and performed all of their material obligations with respect to such permits, and no event has occurred which allows, or after notice or lapse of time would allow, revocation or termination thereof or results in any other material impairment of the rights of the holder of any such permit.

3.21Compliance with Health Care Laws. The Company and its subsidiaries are, and at all times have been, in compliance in all respects with all applicable Health Care Laws, and have not engaged in activities which are, as applicable, cause for false claims liability, civil penalties, or mandatory or permissive exclusion from Medicare, Medicaid, or any other state health care program or federal health care program, except as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect. For purposes of this Agreement, “Health Care Laws” means: (i) the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, its implementing regulations, the regulations promulgated thereunder and similar foreign, federal, state and local laws; (ii) all applicable federal, state, local and all applicable foreign health care related fraud and abuse laws, including, without limitation, the U.S. Anti-Kickback Statute (42 U.S.C. Section 1320a-7b(b)), the U.S. Physician Payments Sunshine Act (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7h), the U.S. Civil False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. Section 3729 et seq.), the criminal False Claims Law (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b(a)), the federal Physician Self-Referral (Stark) Law (42 U.S.C. § 1395nn), the False Statements Relating to Health Care Matters law (18 U.S.C. § 1035), the federal Beneficiary Anti-Inducement Statute (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7a(a)(5)), the Public Health Service Act, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, the Medicare Secondary Payer provisions of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 1395y(b)); all criminal laws relating to health care fraud and abuse, including but not limited to the criminal false claims statutes (18 U.S.C. Sections 286 and 287), the health care fraud criminal provisions under the U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) (42 U.S.C. Section 1320d et seq.), the exclusions law (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7), the civil monetary penalties law (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7a), HIPAA, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (42 U.S.C. Section 17921 et seq.) (“HITECH”), and the regulations promulgated pursuant to such statutes; (iii) Medicare (Title XVIII of the Social Security Act); (iv) Medicaid (Title XIX of the Social

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Security Act); and (v) any and all other applicable health care laws and regulations, including any regulations promulgated pursuant to each of the foregoing statutes, or similar state or local statutes or regulations. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries have received notice of any claim, action, suit, proceeding, hearing, enforcement, audit, investigation, arbitration or other action from any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority or third party alleging that any product operation or activity is in material violation of any Health Care Laws, and, to the Company’s knowledge, no such claim, action, suit, proceeding, hearing, enforcement, audit, investigation, arbitration or other action is threatened. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries are a party to or have any ongoing reporting obligations pursuant to any corporate integrity agreements, deferred prosecution agreements, monitoring agreements, consent decrees, settlement orders, plans of correction or similar agreements with or imposed by any Regulatory Agencies or other governmental or regulatory authority, or have made a voluntary disclosure pursuant to any governmental authority’s self-disclosure protocol or similar functions, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General’s self-disclosure protocol. Additionally, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries, nor any of their respective employees, officers or directors has been excluded, suspended or debarred from participation in any U.S. federal health care program or human clinical research or, to the knowledge of the Company, is subject to a governmental inquiry, investigation, proceeding, or other similar action that would reasonably be expected to result in debarment, suspension, or exclusion.

3.22Accounting Controls and Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Company maintains a system of internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP, including policies and procedures sufficient to provide reasonable assurance (i) that the Company maintains records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the Company’s transactions and dispositions of assets, (ii) that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, (iii) that receipts and expenditures are made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the Board of Directors and (iv) regarding prevention or timely detection of the unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements. Except as disclosed in the Company’s SEC Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement, the Company has not identified any material weaknesses in the design or operation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) are designed to provide reasonable assurance that all information (both financial and non-financial) required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and that all such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

3.23Price Stabilization of Common Stock. The Company has not taken, nor will it take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to stabilize or manipulate the price of the Common Stock to facilitate the sale or resale of the Shares.

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3.24Investment Company Act. The Company is not, and immediately after receipt of payment for the Securities will not be, an “investment company” within the meaning of the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

3.25General Solicitation; No Integration or Aggregation. Neither the Company nor any other person or entity authorized by the Company to act on its behalf has engaged in a general solicitation or general advertising (within the meaning of Regulation D of the Securities Act) of investors with respect to offers or sales of Securities pursuant to this Agreement. The Company has not, directly or indirectly, sold, offered for sale, solicited offers to buy or otherwise negotiated in respect of, any security (as defined in the Securities Act) which, to its knowledge, is or will be (i) integrated with the Securities sold pursuant to this Agreement for purposes of the Securities Act or (ii) aggregated with prior offerings by the Company for the purposes of the rules and regulations of the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Investors set forth in Section 4, neither the Company nor any of its Affiliates, its subsidiaries nor any Person acting on their behalf has, directly or indirectly, made any offers or sales of any Company security or solicited any offers to buy any Company security, under circumstances that would adversely affect reliance by the Company on Section 4(a)(2) and/or Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated thereunder for the exemption from registration for the transactions contemplated hereby.

3.26Brokers and Finders. Other than the Placement Agents, neither the Company nor any other Person authorized by the Company to act on its behalf has retained, utilized or been represented by any broker or finder in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

3.27Reliance by the Investors. The Company has a reasonable basis for making each of the representations set forth in this Section 3. The Company acknowledges that each of the Investors will rely upon the truth and accuracy of, and the Company’s compliance with, the representations, warranties, agreements, acknowledgements and understandings of the Company set forth herein.

3.28No Disqualification Events. Neither the Company nor any of its (i) predecessors, (ii) Affiliates, (iii) directors, (iv) executive officers, (v) non-executive officers participating in the placement contemplated by this Agreement, (vi) beneficial owners of 20% or more of its outstanding voting equity securities (calculated on the basis of voting power), (vii) promoters or (viii) investment managers (including any of such investment managers’ directors, executive officers or officers participating in the placement contemplated by this Agreement) or general partners or managing members of such investment managers (including any of such general partners’ or managing members’ directors, executive officers or officers participating in the placement contemplated by this Agreement) (each, an “Issuer Covered Person” and, together, “Issuer Covered Persons”) is subject to the disqualification provisions of Rule 506(d)(1)(i-viii) of Regulation D under the Securities Act (a “Disqualification Event”).

3.29Other Covered Persons. Other than the Placement Agents, the Company is not aware of any person (other than any Issuer Covered Person) that has been or will be paid (directly or indirectly) remuneration for solicitation of purchasers in connection with the sale of any Securities.

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3.30No Additional Agreements. There are no agreements or understandings between the Company and any Investor with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreements other than (i) as specified in the Transaction Agreements and (ii) any side letter agreements with any of the Investors, which side letters the Company has shared with all Investors.

3.31Anti-Bribery and Anti-Money Laundering Laws. Each of the Company, its subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of the Company, any of their respective officers, directors, supervisors, managers, agents, or employees are and have at all times been in compliance with and its participation in the offering will not violate: (A) anti-bribery laws, including but not limited to, any applicable law, rule, or regulation of any locality, including but not limited to any law, rule, or regulation promulgated to implement the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, signed December 17, 1997, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, or any other law, rule or regulation of similar purposes and scope or (B) anti-money laundering laws, including, but not limited to, applicable federal, state, international, foreign or other laws, regulations or government guidance regarding anti-money laundering, including, without limitation, Title 18 US. Code sections 1956 and 1957, the Patriot Act, the Bank Secrecy Act, and international anti-money laundering principles or procedures by an intergovernmental group or organization, such as the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering, of which the United States is a member and with which designation the United States representative to the group or organization continues to concur, all as amended, and any executive order, directive, or regulation pursuant to the authority of any of the foregoing, or any orders or licenses issued thereunder.

3.32Cybersecurity. The Company and its subsidiaries’ information technology assets and equipment, computers, systems, networks, hardware, software, websites, applications, and databases (collectively, “IT Systems”) are adequate for, and operate and perform in all material respects as required in connection with the operation of the business of the Company and its subsidiaries as currently conducted, and are free and clear of all material Trojan horses, time bombs, malware and other malicious code. The Company and its subsidiaries have implemented and maintained commercially reasonable physical, technical and administrative controls designed to maintain and protect the confidentiality, integrity, availability, privacy and security of all sensitive, confidential or regulated data (“Confidential Data”) used or maintained in connection with their businesses and Personal Data (defined below), and the integrity, availability continuous operation, redundancy and security of all IT Systems. “Personal Data” means the following data used in connection with the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ businesses and in their possession or control: (i) a natural person’s name, street address, telephone number, e-mail address, photograph, social security number or other tax identification number, driver’s license number, passport number, credit card number or bank information; (ii) information that identifies or may reasonably be used to identify an individual; (iii) any information that would qualify as “protected health information” under HITECH; and (iv) any information that would qualify as “personal data,” “personal information” (or similar term) under the Privacy Laws. To the Company’s knowledge, there have been no breaches, outages or unauthorized uses of or accesses to the Company’s IT Systems, Confidential Data, or Personal Data that would require notification under Privacy Laws (as defined below).

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3.33Compliance with Data Privacy Laws. The Company and its subsidiaries are, and at all prior times were, in material compliance with all applicable state, federal and foreign data privacy and security laws and regulations regarding the collection, use, storage, retention, disclosure, transfer, disposal, or any other processing (collectively “Process” or “Processing”) of Personal Data, including without limitation HITECH, the EU General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) (Regulation (EU) No. 2016/679), all other local, state, federal, national, supranational and foreign laws relating to the regulation of the Company or its subsidiaries, and the regulations promulgated pursuant to such statutes and any state or non-U.S. counterpart thereof (collectively, the “Privacy Laws”). To ensure material compliance with the Privacy Laws, the Company and its subsidiaries have in place, comply with, and take all appropriate steps necessary to ensure compliance in all material respects with their policies and procedures relating to data privacy and security, and the Processing of Personal Data and Confidential Data (the “Privacy Statements”). The Company and its subsidiaries have, except as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect, at all times since inception provided accurate notice of their Privacy Statements then in effect to its customers, employees, third party vendors and representatives. None of such disclosures made or contained in any Privacy Statements have been materially inaccurate, misleading, incomplete, or in material violation of any Privacy Laws.

3.34Transactions with Affiliates and Employees. No relationship, direct or indirect, exists between or among the Company, on the one hand, and the directors, officers, stockholders, customers or suppliers of the Company, on the other hand, that is required to be described in the SEC Reports that is not so described.

4.Representations and Warranties of Each Investor. Each Investor, severally for itself and not jointly with any other Investor, represents and warrants to the Company and the Placement Agents that the statements contained in this Section 4 are true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date:

4.1Organization. The Investor is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and has the requisite power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now conducted.

4.2Authorization. The Investor has all requisite corporate or similar power and authority to enter into this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements to which it will be a party and to carry out and perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder. All corporate, member or partnership action on the part of such Investor or its stockholders, members or partners necessary for the authorization, execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements to which it will be a party and the consummation of the other transactions contemplated in this Agreement has been taken. The execution, delivery and performance by such Investor of the Transaction Agreements to which such Investor is a party has been duly authorized and each has been duly executed. Assuming this Agreement constitutes the legal and binding agreement of the Company, this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Investor, enforceable against such Investor in accordance with its respective terms, except as such enforceability may be limited or otherwise affected by bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and/or similar laws relating to or

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affecting the rights of creditors generally or by general equity principles (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

4.3No Conflicts. The execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Agreements by the Investor, the purchase of the Securities in accordance with their terms and the consummation by the Investor of the other transactions contemplated hereby will not conflict with or result in any violation of, breach or default by such Investor (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) under, conflict with, or give rise to a right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of any obligation, a change of control right or to a loss of a material benefit under (i) any provision of the organizational documents of the Investor, including, without limitation, its incorporation or formation papers, bylaws, indenture of trust or partnership or operating agreement, as may be applicable or (ii) any agreement or instrument, undertaking, credit facility, franchise, license, judgment, order, ruling, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulations, applicable to such Investor or its respective properties or assets, except, in the case of clause (ii), as would not, individually or in the aggregate, be reasonably expected to materially delay or hinder the ability of the Investor to perform its obligations under the Transaction Agreements.

4.4Residency. The Investor’s residence (if an individual) or offices in which its investment decision with respect to the Securities was made (if an entity) are located at the address immediately below the Investor’s name on Exhibit A, except as otherwise communicated by the Investor to the Company.

4.5Brokers and Finders. The Investor has not retained, utilized or been represented by any broker or finder in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement whose fees the Company would be required to pay.

4.6Investment Representations and Warranties. The Investor hereby represents and warrants that, it (i) as of the date of this Agreement is, if an entity, a “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) or an institutional “accredited investor” as that term is defined in Rule 501(a) under Regulation D promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act; or (ii) if an individual, is an “accredited investor” as that term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D of the Securities Act and has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be able to protect its own interests in connection with an investment in the Securities. The Investor further represents and warrants that (x) it is capable of evaluating the merits and risk of such investment, and (y) that it has not been organized for the purpose of acquiring the Securities and is an “institutional account” as defined by FINRA Rule 4512(c). The Investor understands and agrees that the offering and sale of the Securities has not been registered under the Securities Act or any applicable state securities laws and is being made in reliance upon federal and state exemptions for transactions not involving a public offering which depend upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of the investment intent and the accuracy of the Investor’s representations as expressed herein.

4.7Intent. The Investor is purchasing the Securities solely for the Investor’s own account and not for the account of others, and not with a view to the resale or distribution of any part thereof in violation of the Securities Act, and the Investor has no present intention of selling, granting any participation in, or otherwise distributing the same in violation of the Securities Act without prejudice, however, to the Investor’s right at all times to sell or otherwise

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dispose of all or any part of such Securities in compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Investor is purchasing the Securities as a fiduciary or agent for one or more investor accounts, the Investor has full investment discretion with respect to each such account, and the full power and authority to make the acknowledgements, representations and agreements herein on behalf of each owner of each such account. The Investor has no present arrangement to sell the Securities to or through any person or entity. The Investor understands that the Securities must be held indefinitely unless such Securities are resold pursuant to a registration statement under the Securities Act or an exemption from registration is available. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed a representation or warranty by the Investor to hold the Securities for any period of time.

4.8Investment Experience; Ability to Protect Its Own Interests and Bear Economic Risks. The Investor acknowledges that it can bear the economic risk and complete loss of its investment in the Securities and has knowledge and experience in finance, securities, taxation, investments and other business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of investments of the kind described in this Agreement and contemplated hereby, and the Investor has had an opportunity to seek, and has sought, such accounting, legal, business and tax advice as the Investor has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision. The Investor acknowledges that the Investor (i) is a sophisticated investor, experienced in investing in private placements of equity securities and capable of evaluating investment risks independently, both in general and with regard to all transactions and investment strategies involving a security or securities and (ii) has exercised independent judgment in evaluating its participation in the purchase of the Securities. The Investor acknowledges that the Investor is aware that there are substantial risks incident to the purchase and ownership of the Securities, including those set forth in the Company’s filings with the SEC. Alone, or together with any professional advisor(s), the Investor has adequately analyzed and fully considered the risks of an investment in the Securities and determined that the Securities are a suitable investment for the Investor. The Investor is, at this time and in the foreseeable future, able to afford the loss of the Investor’s entire investment in the Securities and the Investor acknowledges specifically that a possibility of total loss exists.

4.9Independent Investment Decision. The Investor understands that nothing in the Transaction Agreements or any other materials presented by or on behalf of the Company to the Investor in connection with the purchase of the Securities constitutes legal, tax or investment advice. The Investor has consulted such legal, tax and investment advisors as it, in such Investor’s sole discretion, has deemed necessary or appropriate in connection with its purchase of the Securities.

4.10Securities Not Registered; Legends. The Investor acknowledges and agrees that the Securities are being offered in a transaction not involving any public offering within the meaning of the Securities Act, and the Investor understands that the Securities have not been registered under the Securities Act, by reason of their issuance by the Company in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, and that the Securities must continue to be held and may not be offered, resold, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of by the Investor unless a subsequent disposition thereof is registered under the Securities Act or is exempt from such registration and in each case in accordance with any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States. The Investor understands that the exemptions from registration afforded by Rule 144 (the provisions of which are known to it) promulgated under the Securities

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Act depend on the satisfaction of various conditions including, but not limited to, the time and manner of sale, the holding period and on requirements relating to the Company which are outside of the Investor’s control and which the Company may not be able to satisfy, and that, if applicable, Rule 144 may afford the basis for sales only in limited amounts. The Investor acknowledges and agrees that it has been advised to consult legal counsel prior to making any offer, resale, transfer, pledge or disposition of any of the Securities. The Investor acknowledges that no federal or state agency has passed upon or endorsed the merits of the offering of the Securities or made any findings or determination as to the fairness of this investment.

The Investor understands that any certificates or book entry notations evidencing the Securities may bear one or more legends in substantially the following form and substance:

“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES. THE SECURITIES HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND MAY NOT BE SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED UNLESS (I) SUCH SECURITIES HAVE BEEN REGISTERED FOR SALE PURSUANT TO THE SECURITIES ACT, (II) SUCH SECURITIES MAY BE SOLD PURSUANT TO RULE 144, (III) THE COMPANY HAS RECEIVED AN OPINION OF COUNSEL REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO IT THAT SUCH TRANSFER MAY LAWFULLY BE MADE WITHOUT REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR (IV) THE SECURITIES ARE TRANSFERRED WITHOUT CONSIDERATION TO AN AFFILIATE OF SUCH HOLDER OR A CUSTODIAL NOMINEE (WHICH FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT SHALL REQUIRE NEITHER CONSENT NOR THE DELIVERY OF AN OPINION).”

In addition, the Securities may contain a legend regarding affiliate status of the Investor, if applicable.

4.11No General Solicitation. The Investor acknowledges and agrees that the Investor is purchasing the Securities directly from the Company. Investor became aware of this offering of the Securities solely by means of direct contact from the Placement Agent(s) or directly from the Company as a result of a pre-existing, substantive relationship with the Company or the Placement Agent(s), and/or their respective advisors (including, without limitation, attorneys, accountants, bankers, consultants and financial advisors), agents, control persons, representatives, affiliates, directors, officers, managers, members, and/or employees, and/or the representatives of such persons. The Securities were offered to Investor solely by direct contact between Investor and the Company, the Placement Agent(s) and/or their respective representatives. Investor did not become aware of this offering of the Securities, nor were the Securities offered to Investor, by any other means, and none of the Company, the Placement Agents and/or their respective representatives acted as investment advisor, broker or dealer to Investor. The Investor is not purchasing the Securities as a result of any general or public solicitation or general advertising, or publicly disseminated advertisement, article, notice or other communication regarding the Securities published in any newspaper, magazine or similar media or broadcast over television, radio or the internet or presented at any seminar or any other general solicitation or general advertisement, including any of the methods described in Section 502(c) of Regulation D under the Securities Act.

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4.12Access to Information. The Investor acknowledges and agrees that the Investor and the Investor’s professional advisor(s), if any, have had the opportunity to ask such questions, receive such answers and obtain such information from the Company regarding the Company, its business and the terms and conditions of the offering of the Securities as the Investor and the Investor’s professional advisor(s), if any, have deemed necessary to make an investment decision with respect to the Securities and that the Investor has independently made its own analysis and decision to invest in the Company. Neither such inquiries nor any other due diligence investigation conducted by the Investor shall modify, limit or otherwise affect the Investor’s right to rely on the Company’s representations and warranties contained in this Agreement.

4.13Certain Trading Activities. Other than consummating the transaction contemplated hereby, the Investor has not, nor has any Person acting on behalf of or pursuant to any understanding with the Investor, directly or indirectly executed any purchases or sales, including Short Sales, of the securities of the Company during the period commencing as of the time that the Investor was first contacted by the Company or any other Person regarding the transaction contemplated hereby and ending immediately prior to the date of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Investor that is a multi-managed investment vehicle whereby separate portfolio managers manage separate portions of such Investor’s assets and the portfolio managers have no direct knowledge of the investment decisions made by the portfolio managers managing other portions of such Investor’s assets, the representation set forth above shall only apply with respect to the portion of the assets managed by the portfolio manager that made the investment decision to purchase the Securities covered by this Agreement. Other than to other Persons party to this Agreement and to its advisors and agents who had a need to know such information, the Investor has maintained the confidentiality of all disclosures made to it in connection with this transaction (including the existence and terms of this transaction). Notwithstanding the foregoing, for avoidance of doubt, nothing contained herein shall constitute a representation or warranty, or preclude any actions, with respect to the identification of the availability of, or securing of, available shares to borrow in order to effect Short Sales or similar transactions in the future.

4.14Disqualification Event. To the extent the Investor is one of the covered persons identified in Rule 506(d)(1), the Investor represents that no Disqualification Event is applicable to the Investor or any of its Rule 506(d) Related Parties (as defined below), except, if applicable, for a Disqualification Event as to which Rule 506(d)(2)(ii) or (iii) or (d)(3) is applicable. The Investor hereby agrees that it shall notify the Company promptly in writing in the event a Disqualification Event becomes applicable to the Investor or any of its Rule 506(d) Related Parties, except, if applicable, for a Disqualification Event as to which Rule 506(d)(2)(ii) or (iii) or (d)(3) is applicable. For purposes of this Section, “Rule 506(d) Related Party” means a person or entity that is a beneficial owner of the Investor’s securities for purposes of Rule 506(d) of the Securities Act.

5.Covenants.

5.1Further Assurances. Each party agrees to cooperate with each other and their respective officers, employees, attorneys, accountants and other agents, and, generally, do such other reasonable acts and things in good faith as may be necessary to effectuate the intents and purposes of this Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and compliance

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with applicable law, including taking reasonable action to facilitate the filing of any document or the taking of reasonable action to assist the other parties hereto in complying with the terms of this Agreement. The Investor acknowledges that the Company and the Placement Agents will rely on the acknowledgments, understandings, agreements, representations and warranties contained in this Agreement. Prior to the Closing, the Investor agrees to promptly notify the Company if any of the acknowledgments, understandings, agreements, representations and warranties set forth in Section 4 of this Agreement are no longer accurate.

5.2Listing. The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the listing and trading of its Common Stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market and, in accordance therewith, will use reasonable best efforts to comply in all material respects with the Company’s reporting, filing and other obligations under the rules and regulations of Nasdaq.

5.3Disclosure of Transactions. The Company shall, by 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the first (1st) Business Day immediately following the date of this Agreement, file with the SEC a Current Report on Form 8-K (including all exhibits thereto, the “Disclosure Document”) disclosing (i) all material terms of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Transaction Agreements and attaching the form of this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements as exhibits to such Disclosure Document and (ii) all material non-public information concerning the Company disclosed to the Investors. Following the filing of the Disclosure Document, no Investor shall be in possession of any material non-public information concerning the Company disclosed to the Investors by the Company or its representatives. The Company understands and confirms that the Investors will rely on the foregoing representation in effecting securities transactions. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall not publicly disclose the name of any Investor or any of its affiliates or advisers, or include the name of any Investor or any of its affiliates or advisers in any press release or filing with the SEC (other than any registration statement contemplated by the Registration Rights Agreement) or any regulatory agency, without the prior written consent of the Investor, except (i) as required by the federal securities law in connection with (A) any registration statement contemplated by the Registration Rights Agreement and (B) the filing of final Transaction Agreements with the SEC or pursuant to other routine proceedings of regulatory authorities, or (ii) to the extent such disclosure is required by law, at the request of the staff of the SEC or regulatory agency or under the regulations of the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

5.4Integration. The Company shall not, and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that no Affiliate of the Company shall, sell, offer for sale or solicit offers to buy or otherwise negotiate in respect of any security (as defined in Section 2 of the Securities Act) that will be integrated with the offer or sale of the Securities in a manner that would require the registration under the Securities Act of the sale of the Securities to the Investors, or that will be integrated with the offer or sale of the Securities for purposes of the rules and regulations of any National Exchange such that it would require stockholder approval prior to the closing of such other transaction unless stockholder approval is obtained before the closing of such subsequent transaction.

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5.5Removal of Legends.

(a)In connection with any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposition of the Shares by an Investor pursuant to Rule 144 or pursuant to any other exemption under the Securities Act such that the purchaser acquires freely tradable shares and upon compliance by the Investor with the requirements of this Agreement, if requested by the Investor by notice to the Company, the Company shall request the Transfer Agent to remove any restrictive legends related to the book entry account holding such shares and make a new, unlegended entry for such book entry shares sold or disposed of without restrictive legends as soon as reasonably practicable following any such request therefor from the Investor, provided that the Company has timely received from the Investor customary representations and other documentation reasonably acceptable to the Company in connection therewith. The Company shall be responsible for the fees of its Transfer Agent and its legal counsel associated with such legend removal.

(b)Subject to receipt from the Investor by the Company and the Transfer Agent of customary representations and other documentation reasonably acceptable to the Company and the Transfer Agent in connection therewith, upon the earliest of such time as the Shares (i) have been registered pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act; (ii) have been sold pursuant to Rule 144, or (iii) are eligible for resale under Rule 144(b)(1) without the requirement for the Company to be in compliance with the current public information requirements under Rule 144(c)(1) (or any successor provision), the Company shall, in accordance with the provisions of this Section 5.5(b) and as soon as reasonably practicable following any request therefor from an Investor accompanied by such customary and reasonably acceptable documentation referred to above, (A) deliver to the Transfer Agent irrevocable instructions that the Transfer Agent shall make a new, unlegended entry for such book entry shares, and (B) cause its counsel to deliver to the Transfer Agent one or more opinions to the effect that the removal of such legends in such circumstances may be effected under the Securities Act if required by the Transfer Agent to effect the removal of the legend in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

5.6Withholding Taxes. Each Investor agrees to furnish the Company with any information, representations and forms as shall reasonably be requested by the Company from time to time to assist the Company in complying with any applicable tax law (including any withholding obligations).

5.7Fees and Commissions. The Company shall be solely responsible for the payment of any placement agent’s fees, financial advisory fees, or broker’s commissions (other than for Persons engaged by an Investor) relating to or arising out of the transactions contemplated hereby, including, without limitation, any fees or commissions payable to the Placement Agents.

5.8No Conflicting Agreements. The Company will not take any action, enter into any agreement or make any commitment that would conflict or interfere in any material respect with the Company’s obligations to the Investors under the Transaction Agreements.

5.9Indemnification.

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(a)The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Investor and its Affiliates, and their respective directors, officers, trustees, members, managers, employees, investment advisers and agents (collectively, the “Indemnified Persons”), from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses (including without limitation reasonable and documented attorney fees and disbursements and other documented out-of-pocket expenses reasonably incurred in connection with investigating, preparing or defending any action, claim or proceeding, pending or threatened and the costs of enforcement thereof) to which such Person may become subject as a result of any breach of representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by or to be performed on the part of the Company under the Transaction Agreements, and will reimburse any such Person for all such amounts as they are incurred by such Person solely to the extent such amounts have been finally judicially determined not to have resulted from such Person’s fraud or willful misconduct.

(b)Any person entitled to indemnification hereunder shall (i) give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification and (ii) permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party; provided that any person entitled to indemnification hereunder shall have the right to employ separate counsel and to participate in the defense of such claim, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such person unless (a) the indemnifying party has agreed in writing to pay such fees or expenses, (b) the indemnifying party shall have failed to assume the defense of such claim and employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such person or (c) in the reasonable judgment of any such person, based upon written advice of its counsel, a conflict of interest exists between such person and the indemnifying party with respect to such claims (in which case, if the person notifies the indemnifying party in writing that such person elects to employ separate counsel at the expense of the indemnifying party, the indemnifying party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such claim on behalf of such person); and provided, further, that the failure of any indemnified party to give written notice as provided herein shall not relieve the indemnifying party of its obligations hereunder, except to the extent that such failure to give notice shall materially adversely affect the indemnifying party in the defense of any such claim or litigation. It is understood that the indemnifying party shall not, in connection with any proceeding in the same jurisdiction, be liable for fees or expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys at any time for all such indemnified parties. No indemnifying party will, except with the consent of the indemnified party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement unless such judgment or settlement (i) imposes no liability or obligation on, (ii) includes as an unconditional term thereof the giving of a complete, explicit and unconditional release from the party bringing such indemnified claims of all liability of the indemnified party in respect of such claim or litigation in favor of, and (iii) does not include any admission of fault, culpability, wrongdoing, or malfeasance by or on behalf of, the indemnified party. No indemnified party will, except with the consent of the indemnifying party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement.

5.10Subsequent Equity Sales. From the date of this Agreement until the earlier of (a) sixty (60) days after the Closing Date and (b) the Business Day immediately following the effective date of the registration statement filed pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company shall not (A) issue shares of Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents, (B)

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effect a reverse stock split, recapitalization, share consolidation, reclassification or similar transaction affecting the outstanding Common Stock or (C) file with the SEC a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to any shares of Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents, except pursuant to the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this Section 5.10 shall not apply to (i) the issuance of the Securities hereunder, (ii) the issuance of Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents upon the conversion, exercise or vesting of any securities of the Company outstanding on the date of this Agreement or outstanding pursuant to clause (iii) below, (iii) the issuance of any Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents pursuant to any Company stock-based compensation plans or in accordance with Nasdaq Stock Market Rule 5635(c)(4), or (iv) the filing of a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register the offer and sale of securities on an equity incentive plan or employee stock purchase plan.

6.Conditions of Closing.

6.1Conditions to the Obligation of the Investors. The several obligations of each Investor to consummate the transactions to be consummated at the Closing, and to purchase and pay for the Securities being purchased by it at the Closing pursuant to this Agreement, are subject to the satisfaction or waiver in writing of the following conditions precedent:

(a)Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of the Company contained herein shall be true and correct in all material respects, except for those representation and warranties qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect, which shall be true and correct in all respects, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date, as though made on and as of such date, except to the extent any such representation or warranty expressly speaks as of an earlier date, in which case such representation or warranty shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date, except for those representations and warranties qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect, which shall be true and correct in all respects as of such earlier date.

(b)Performance. The Company shall have performed in all material respects the obligations and conditions herein required to be performed or observed by the Company on or prior to the Closing Date.

(c)No Injunction. The purchase of and payment for the Securities by each Investor shall not be prohibited or enjoined by any law or governmental or court order or regulation and no such prohibition shall have been threatened in writing.

(d)Consents. The Company shall have obtained any and all consents, permits, approvals, registrations and waivers necessary for the consummation of the purchase and sale of the Securities, all of which shall be in full force and effect.

(e)Transfer Agent. The Company shall have furnished all required materials to the Transfer Agent to reflect the issuance of the Shares at the Closing.

(f)Adverse Changes. Since the date of this Agreement, no event or series of events shall have occurred that has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

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(g)Opinion of Company Counsel. The Company shall have delivered to the Investors and the Placement Agents the opinion of Cooley LLP, dated as of the Closing Date, in customary form and substance to be reasonably agreed upon with the Investors and addressing such legal matters as the Investors and the Company reasonably agree.

(h)Compliance Certificate. An authorized officer of the Company shall have delivered to the Investors at the Closing Date a certificate certifying that the conditions specified in Sections 6.1(a) (Representations and Warranties), 6.1(b) (Performance), 6.1(c) (No Injunction), 6.1(d) (Consents), 6.1(e) (Transfer Agent), 6.1(f) (Adverse Changes), 6.1(k) (Listing Requirements) and 6.1(l) (No Injunction) of this Agreement have been fulfilled.

(i)Secretary’s Certificate. The Secretary of the Company shall have delivered to the Investors at the Closing Date a certificate certifying (i) the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation; (ii) the Amended and Restated Bylaws; and (iii) resolutions of the Company’s Board of Directors (or an authorized committee thereof) approving this Agreement, the other Transaction Agreements, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the issuance of the Securities.

(j)Registration Rights Agreement. The Company shall have executed and delivered the Registration Rights Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) to the Investors.

(k)Listing Requirements. No stop order or suspension of trading shall have been imposed by Nasdaq, the SEC or any other governmental or regulatory body with respect to public trading in the Common Stock. The Common Stock shall be listed on a National Exchange and shall not have been suspended, as of the Closing Date, by the SEC or the National Exchange from trading thereon nor shall suspension by the SEC or the National Exchange have been threatened, as of the Closing Date, in writing by the SEC or the National Exchange; and the Company shall have filed with Nasdaq a Notification Form: Listing of Additional Shares for the listing of the Shares and Nasdaq shall have raised no objection to such notice and the transactions contemplated hereby.

(l)No Injunction. No judgment, writ, order, injunction, award or decree of or by any court, or judge, justice or magistrate, including any bankruptcy court or judge, or any order of or by any governmental entity, shall have been issued, and no action or proceeding shall have been instituted by any governmental entity, enjoining or preventing the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or in the other Transaction Agreements.

(m)Payment. The Company shall have received payment, by wire transfer of immediately available funds, in the full amount of the purchase price for the number of Securities being purchased by each Investor at the Closing as set forth in Exhibit A.

6.2Conditions to the Obligation of the Company. The obligation of the Company to consummate the transactions to be consummated at the Closing, and to issue and sell to each Investor the Securities to be purchased by it at the Closing pursuant to this Agreement, is subject to the satisfaction or waiver in writing of the following conditions precedent:

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(a)Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of each Investor in Section 4 hereto shall be true and correct on and as of the Closing Date, with the same force and effect as though made on and as of the Closing Date and consummation of the Closing shall constitute a reaffirmation by the Investor of each of the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of the Investor contained in this Agreement as of the Closing Date.

(b)Performance. Each Investor shall have performed or complied with in all material respects all obligations and conditions herein required to be performed or observed by such Investor on or prior to the Closing Date.

(c)Injunction. The purchase of and payment for the Securities by each Investor shall not be prohibited or enjoined by any law or governmental or court order or regulation.

(d)Registration Rights Agreement. Each Investor shall have executed and delivered the Registration Rights Agreement to the Company in the form attached as Exhibit B.

(e)Payment. The Company shall have received payment, by wire transfer of immediately available funds, in the full amount of the purchase price for the number of Securities being purchased by each Investor at the Closing as set forth in Exhibit A.

7.Termination.

7.1Termination. The obligations of the Company, on the one hand, and the Investors, on the other hand, to effect the Closing shall terminate as follows:

(i)Upon the mutual written consent of the Company and the Investors that agreed to purchase a majority of the Securities prior to the Closing;

(ii)By the Company if any of the conditions set forth in Section 6.2 shall have become incapable of fulfillment, and shall not have been waived by the Company;

(iii)By an Investor (with respect to itself only) if any of the conditions set forth in Section 6.1 shall have become incapable of fulfillment, and shall not have been waived by such Investor; or

(iv)By either the Company or an Investor (with respect to itself only) if the Closing has not occurred on or prior to the fifth Business Day following the date of this Agreement;

provided, however, that, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) above, the party seeking to terminate its obligation to effect the Closing shall not then be in breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in the Transaction Agreements if such breach has resulted in the circumstances giving rise to such party’s seeking to terminate its obligation to effect the Closing.

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7.2Notice. In the event of termination by the Company or the Investor of its obligations to effect the Closing pursuant to Section 7.1, written notice thereof shall be given to the other Investors by the Company. Nothing in this Section 7 shall be deemed to release any party from any liability for any breach by such party of the other terms and provisions of the Transaction Agreements or to impair the right of any party to compel specific performance by any other party of its other obligations under the Transaction Agreements.

8.Miscellaneous Provisions.

8.1Public Statements or Releases. Except as set forth in Section 5.3, neither the Company nor any Investor shall make any public announcement with respect to the existence or terms of this Agreement or the transactions provided for herein without the prior consent of the other party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld). Notwithstanding the foregoing, and subject to compliance with Section 5.3, nothing in this Section 8.1 shall prevent any party from making any public announcement it considers necessary in order to satisfy its obligations under the law, including applicable securities laws, or under the rules of any national securities exchange or securities market, in which case the Company shall allow the Investors reasonable time to comment on such release or announcement in advance of such issuance, and the Company will consider in good faith any Investor comments. The Company shall not include the name of the Investor in any press release or public announcement (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include any filing with the SEC) without the prior written consent of the Investors, except as otherwise required by law or the applicable rules or regulations of any securities exchange or securities market, in which case the Company shall allow the Investors, to the extent reasonably practicable in the circumstances, reasonable time to comment on such release or announcement in advance of such issuance. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 8.1, Investor review shall not be required for Company disclosures that are substantially consistent with prior Company disclosures.

8.2Notices. Any notices or other communications required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to be given (a) when delivered if personally delivered to the party for whom it is intended, (b) when delivered, if sent by electronic mail during normal business hours of the recipient, and if not sent during normal business hours, then on the earlier of (x) confirmation of receipt or (y) the open of business on recipient’s next Business Day, (c) three (3) days after having been sent by certified or registered mail, return-receipt requested and postage prepaid, or (d) one (1) Business Day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, freight prepaid, specifying next business day delivery, with written verification of receipt:

(a)If to the Company, addressed as follows:

Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc.

701 Lee Road, Suite 103

Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087

Attention: [***]Email: [***]

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice):

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Cooley LLP

11951 Freedom Drive

14th Floor

Reston, Virginia 20190-5640

Attention: [***]Email: [***]

(b)If to any Investor, at its address or e-mail address set forth on Exhibit A, or such address as subsequently modified by written notice given in accordance with this Section 8.2.

Any Person may change the address to which notices and communications to it are to be addressed by notification as provided for herein.

8.3Consent to Electronic Notice. Each Investor consents to the delivery of any stockholder notice pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”), as amended or superseded from time to time, by electronic mail pursuant to Section 232 of the DGCL (or any successor thereto) at the e-mail address set forth below the Investor’s name on the signature page or Exhibit A, as updated from time to time by notice to the Company. To the extent that any notice given by means of electronic mail is returned or undeliverable for any reason, the foregoing consent shall be deemed to have been revoked until a new or corrected e-mail address has been provided, and such attempted electronic notice shall be ineffective and deemed to not have been given. Each party agrees to promptly notify the other parties of any change in its e-mail address, and that failure to do so shall not affect the foregoing.

8.4Severability. If any part or provision of this Agreement is held unenforceable or in conflict with the applicable laws or regulations of any jurisdiction, the invalid or unenforceable part or provisions shall be replaced with a provision which accomplishes, to the extent possible, the original business purpose of such part or provision in a valid and enforceable manner, and the remainder of this Agreement shall remain binding upon the parties hereto.

8.5Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Venue; Waiver of Trial by Jury.

(a)This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without regard to choice of laws or conflicts of laws provisions thereof that would require the application of the laws of any other jurisdiction, except to the extent that mandatory principles of Delaware law may apply.

(b)The Company and each of the Investors hereby irrevocably and unconditionally:

(i)submits for itself and its property in any legal action or proceeding relating solely to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, to the general jurisdiction of the any state court or United States federal court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York in the State of New York;

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(ii)consents that any such action or proceeding may be brought in such courts, and waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such action or proceeding in any such court or that such action or proceeding was brought in an inconvenient court and agrees not to plead or claim the same to the extent permitted by applicable law;

(iii)agrees that service of process in any such action or proceeding may be effected by mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified mail (or any substantially similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to the party, as the case may be, at its address set forth in Section 8.2 or at such other address of which the other party shall have been notified pursuant thereto;

(iv)agrees that nothing herein shall affect the right to effect service of process in any other manner permitted by law or shall limit the right to sue in any other jurisdiction for recognition and enforcement of any judgment or if jurisdiction in the courts referenced in the foregoing clause (i) are not available despite the intentions of the parties hereto;

(v)agrees that final judgment in any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such a court may be enforced in the courts of any jurisdiction to which such party is subject by a suit upon such judgment, provided that service of process is effected upon such party in the manner specified herein or as otherwise permitted by law;

(vi)agrees that to the extent that such party has or hereafter may acquire any immunity from jurisdiction of any court or from any legal process with respect to itself or its property, such party hereby irrevocably waives such immunity in respect of its obligations under this Agreement, to the extent permitted by law; and

(vii)irrevocably and unconditionally waives trial by jury in any legal action or proceeding in relation to this Agreement.

8.6Waiver. No waiver of any term, provision or condition of this Agreement, whether by conduct or otherwise, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be, or be construed as, a further or continuing waiver of any such term, provision or condition or as a waiver of any other term, provision or condition of this Agreement.

8.7Expenses. Except as expressly set forth in the Transaction Agreements to the contrary, each party shall pay its own out-of-pocket fees and expenses, including the fees and expenses of attorneys, accountants and consultants employed by such party, incurred in connection with the proposed investment in the Securities and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby; provided, however, that the Company shall pay all Transfer Agent fees (including, without limitation, any fees required for same-day processing of any instruction letter delivered by the Company), stamp taxes and other taxes (other than income taxes) and duties levied in connection with the delivery of any Securities to the Investors. The Company shall pay all Placement Agent fees relating to or arising out of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

8.8Assignment. None of the parties may assign its rights or obligations under this Agreement or designate another person (i) to perform all or part of its obligations under this Agreement or (ii) to have all or part of its rights and benefits under this Agreement, in each case without the prior written consent of (x) the Company, in the case of an Investor, and (y) the Investors, in the case of the Company, provided that an Investor may, without the prior consent of

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the Company, assign its rights to purchase the Securities hereunder to any of its affiliates or to any other investment funds or accounts managed or advised by the investment manager who acts on behalf of such Investor (provided each such assignee agrees to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and makes the same representations and warranties set forth in Section 4 ). In the event of any assignment in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the assignee shall specifically assume and be bound by the provisions of this Agreement by executing a writing agreeing to be bound by and subject to the provisions of this Agreement and shall deliver an executed counterpart signature page to this Agreement and, notwithstanding such assumption or agreement to be bound hereby by an assignee, no such assignment shall relieve any party assigning any interest hereunder from its obligations or liability pursuant to this Agreement.

8.9Confidential Information.

(a)Each Investor covenants that until such time as the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and any material non-public information provided to such Investor are publicly disclosed by the Company, such Investor will maintain the confidentiality of all disclosures made to it in connection with this transaction (including the existence and terms of this transaction), other than to such Investor’s outside attorney, accountant, auditor or investment advisor only to the extent necessary to permit evaluation of the investment, and the performance of the necessary or required tax, accounting, financial, legal, or administrative tasks and services and other than as may be required by law.

(b)The Company may request from the Investors such reasonable and customary additional information as the Company may deem necessary to evaluate the eligibility of the Investor to acquire the Securities, and the Investor shall promptly provide such information as may reasonably be requested to the extent readily available; provided, that the Company agrees to keep any such information provided by the Investor confidential, except (i) as required by the federal securities laws, rules or regulations and (ii) to the extent such disclosure is required by other laws, rules or regulations, at the request of the staff of the SEC or regulatory agency or under the regulations of Nasdaq. The Investor acknowledges that the Company may file a copy of this Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement with the SEC as exhibit to a periodic report or a registration statement of the Company.

8.10Reliance by and Exculpation of Placement Agents.

(a)Each Investor agrees for the express benefit of the Placement Agents, their affiliates and their representatives that (i) the Placement Agents, their affiliates and their representatives have not made, and will not make, any representations or warranties with respect to the Company or the offer and sale of the Securities, and the Investor will not rely on any statements made by the Placement Agents, orally or in writing, to the contrary, (ii) the Investor will be responsible for conducting its own due diligence investigation with respect to the Company and the offer and sale of the Securities, (iii) the Investor will be purchasing Securities based on the results of its own due diligence investigation of the Company, and the Placement Agents and each of their directors, officers, employees, representatives, and controlling persons have made no independent investigation with respect to the Company, the Securities, or the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of any information supplied to the Investor by the Company, (iv) the Investor has negotiated the offer and sale of the Securities directly with the Company, and the

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Placement Agents will not be responsible for the ultimate success of any such investment and (v) the decision to invest in the Company will involve a significant degree of risk, including a risk of total loss of such investment. Each Investor further represents and warrants to the Placement Agents that it, including any fund or funds that it manages or advises that participates in the offer and sale of the Securities, is permitted under its constitutive documents (including, without limitation, all limited partnership agreements, charters, bylaws, limited liability company agreements, all applicable side letters with investors, and similar documents) to make investments of the type contemplated by this Agreement. This Section 8.10 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

(b)The Company agrees and acknowledges that the Placement Agents may rely on its representations, warranties, agreements and covenants contained in this Agreement and each Investor agrees that the Placement Agents may rely on such Investor’s representations and warranties contained in this Agreement as if such representations and warranties, as applicable, were made directly to the Placement Agents.

(c)Neither the Placement Agents nor any of their affiliates or representatives (1) shall be liable for any improper payment made in accordance with the information provided by the Company; (2) make any representation or warranty, or have any responsibilities as to the validity, accuracy, value or genuineness of any information, certificates or documentation delivered by or on behalf of the Company pursuant to the Transaction Agreements or in connection with any of the transactions contemplated therein; or (3) shall be liable (x) for any action taken, suffered or omitted by any of them in good faith and reasonably believed to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon them by the Transaction Agreements or (y) for anything which any of them may do or refrain from doing in connection with the Transaction Agreements, except in each case for such party’s own gross negligence or willful misconduct.

(d)The Company agrees that the Placement Agents, their affiliates and representatives shall be entitled to (1) rely on, and shall be protected in acting upon, any certificate, instrument, notice, letter or any other document or security delivered to any of them by or on behalf of the Company, and (2) be indemnified by the Company for acting as the placement agent hereunder pursuant to the indemnification provisions set forth in the applicable letter agreement between the Company and the Placement Agents.

8.11Third Parties. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer on any Person other than the parties to this Agreement any rights, remedies, claims, benefits, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, and no Person that is not a party to this Agreement (including, without limitation, any partner, member, shareholder, director, officer, employee or other beneficial owner of any party to this Agreement, in its own capacity as such or in bringing a derivative action on behalf of a party to this Agreement) shall have any standing as a third party beneficiary with respect to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) each Placement Agent is an intended third-party beneficiary of the representations and warranties of the Company and of each Investor set forth in Section 3, Section 4, and Section 8.10 of this Agreement and the certificate delivered pursuant to Section 6.1(h) of this Agreement and (ii) the Indemnified Persons are intended third-party beneficiaries of Section 5.9.

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8.12Independent Nature of Investors’ Obligations and Right. The obligations of each Investor under this Agreement are several and not joint with the obligations of any other Investor, and no Investor shall be responsible in any way for the performance obligations of any other Investor under this Agreement. Nothing contained herein, and no action taken by any Investor pursuant hereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Investors as, and the Company acknowledges that the Investors do not so constitute, a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of entity, or create a presumption that the Investors are in any way acting in concert or as a group, and the Company will not assert any such claim with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The Company acknowledges and each Investor confirms that it has independently participated in the negotiation of the transaction contemplated hereby with the advice of its own counsel and advisors. Each Investor also acknowledges that Cooley LLP has not rendered legal advice to such Investor. Each Investor shall be entitled to independently protect and enforce its rights, including, without limitation, the rights arising out of this Agreement, and it shall not be necessary for any other Investor to be joined as an additional party in any proceeding for such purpose. The Company has elected to provide all Investors with the same terms and Transaction Agreements for the convenience of the Company and not because it was required or requested to do so by any Investor.

8.13Headings. The titles, subtitles and headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference and shall not form part of, or affect the interpretation of, this Agreement.

8.14Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more identical counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other party; provided that a facsimile or pdf signature including any electronic signatures complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, e.g., www.docusign.com shall be considered due execution and shall be binding upon the signatory thereto with the same force and effect as if the signature were an original, not a facsimile or pdf (or other electronic reproduction of a) signature.

8.15Entire Agreement; Amendments. This Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements (including all schedules and exhibits hereto and thereto), together with any side letter agreements with any of the Investors, constitute the entire agreement between the parties hereto respecting the subject matter of this Agreement and supersedes all prior agreements, negotiations, understandings, representations and statements respecting the subject matter of this Agreement, whether written or oral. No amendment, modification, alteration, or change in any of the terms of this Agreement shall be valid or binding upon the parties hereto unless made in writing and duly executed by the Company and the Investors of at least a majority in interest of the Securities then held by the Investors, provided that prior to the Closing the consent of all Investors shall be required Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may not be amended and the observance of any term of this Agreement may not be waived with respect to any Investor without the written consent of such Investor unless such amendment or waiver applies to all Investors in the same fashion. The Company, on the one hand, and each Investor, on the other hand, may by an instrument signed in writing by such parties waive the performance, compliance or satisfaction by such Investor or the Company, respectively, with any term or provision of this Agreement or any condition hereto to be performed, complied with or satisfied by such Investor or the Company, respectively. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything else herein to the contrary, no amendment, modification, alteration, change or waiver of this Section 8.15 shall be valid without the prior

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written consent of each Placement Agent, which consent may be granted or withheld in the sole discretion of such Placement Agent.

8.16Survival. The covenants, representations and warranties made by each party hereto contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing and the delivery of the Securities in accordance with their respective terms. Each Investor shall be responsible only for its own representations, warranties, agreements and covenants hereunder.

8.17Contract Interpretation. This Agreement is the joint product of each Investor and the Company and each provision of this Agreement has been subject to the mutual consultation, negotiation and agreement of such parties and shall not be construed for or against any party hereto.

8.18Arm’s Length Negotiations. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties acknowledge and confirm that the terms and conditions of the Securities were determined as a result of arm’s-length negotiations.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank.]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

COMPANY:
Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc.
By:
	Name: Neal Walker
	Title: Interim Chief Executive Officer

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

INVESTOR:

[NAME]

By:

Name:

Title:

Address:

[●]

Email: [●]

2

EX-10.2

Exhibit 10.2

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

THIS REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of November 18, 2024, is entered into by and among Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the several investors signatory hereto (individually as an “Investor” and collectively together with their respective permitted assigns, the “Investors”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Securities Purchase Agreement by and among the parties hereto, dated as of the date hereof (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Purchase Agreement”).

WHEREAS:

A.Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Purchase Agreement, the Company has agreed to issue to the Investors, and the Investors have agreed to purchase, severally and not jointly, an aggregate of 35,555,555 shares (the “Shares”) of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.00001 per share (the “Common Stock”).

B.To induce the Investors to enter into the Purchase Agreement, the Company has agreed to provide certain registration rights under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder, or any similar successor statute (collectively, the “Securities Act”), and applicable state securities laws.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Investors hereby agree as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS.

For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(a)“Person” means an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, business trust, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture or any other entity or organization.

(b)“Register,” “Registered,” and “Registration” refer to a registration effected by preparing and filing one or more registration statements of the Company in compliance with the Securities Act and providing for offering securities on a continuous basis, and the declaration or ordering of effectiveness of such registration statement(s) by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

(c)“Registrable Securities” means the Shares and any Common Stock issued or issuable with respect to the Shares as a result of any stock split or subdivision, stock dividend, recapitalization, exchange or similar event. Registrable Securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities upon the date on which the Investors shall have resold all the Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement.

(d)“Registration Expenses” means all registration and filing fee expenses incurred by the Company in effecting any registration pursuant to this Agreement, including (i) all registration, qualification, and filing fees, printing expenses, and any other fees and expenses associated with filings required to be made with the SEC, FINRA or any other regulatory authority, (ii) all fees and expenses in connection with compliance with or clearing the Registrable Securities for sale under any securities or

“Blue Sky” laws, (iii) all printing, duplicating, word processing, messenger, telephone, facsimile and delivery expenses, and (iv) all fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and of all independent certified public accountants of the Company (including the expenses of any special audit and cold comfort letters required by or incident to such performance).

(e)“Registration Statement” means any registration statement of the Company filed with, or to be filed with, the SEC under the Securities Act, that Registers Registrable Securities, including the related prospectus, amendments and supplements to such registration statement, including pre- and post-effective amendments, and all exhibits and all material incorporated by reference in such registration statement as may be necessary to comply with applicable securities laws. “Registration Statement” shall also include a New Registration Statement, as amended when each became effective, including all documents filed as part thereof or incorporated by reference therein, and including any information contained in a prospectus subsequently filed with the SEC.

(f)“Selling Expenses” means all underwriting discounts and selling commissions applicable to the sale of Registrable Securities and all similar fees and commissions relating to the Investors’ disposition of the Registrable Securities.

2. REGISTRATION.

(a)Mandatory Registration. The Company shall, as promptly as reasonably practicable and in any event no later than 30 days after the Closing Date (the “Filing Deadline”), prepare and file with the SEC an initial Registration Statement (the “Initial Registration Statement”) covering the resale of all Registrable Securities. Before filing the Registration Statement, the Company shall furnish to the Investors a copy of the Registration Statement. The Investors and their counsel shall have at least three Business Days prior to the anticipated filing date of a Registration Statement to review and comment upon such Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement to such Registration Statement and any related prospectus, prior to its filing with the SEC. Subject to any SEC comments, such Registration Statement shall include the plan of distribution substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A. The Company shall (a) use commercially reasonable efforts to address in each such document prior to being so filed with the SEC such comments as the Investor or its counsel reasonably proposed by the Investor, and (b) not file any Registration Statement or related prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto containing information regarding the Investor to which Investor reasonably objects, unless such information is required to comply with any applicable law or regulation. The Investors shall furnish all information reasonably requested by the Company and as shall be reasonably required in connection with any registration referred to in this Agreement.

(b)Effectiveness.The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to have the Initial Registration Statement and any amendment declared effective by the SEC at the earliest possible date but no later than the earlier of (a) the 75th calendar day following the initial filing date of the Initial Registration Statement if the SEC notifies the Company that it will “review” the Initial Registration Statement and (b) the fifth Business Day after the date the Company is notified (orally or in writing, whichever is earlier) by the SEC that the Initial Registration Statement will not be “reviewed” or will not be subject to further review (the “Effectiveness Deadline”). The Company shall notify the Investor by e-mail as promptly as practicable, and in any event, within 24 hours, after the Registration Statement is declared effective or is supplemented and shall provide the Investor with copies of any related prospectus to be used in connection with the sale or other disposition of the securities covered thereby. The Company shall use reasonable efforts to keep the Initial Registration Statement continuously effective pursuant to Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act and available for the resale by the Investors of all of the Registrable Securities covered thereby at all times until the earliest to occur of the following events: (i) the date on which the Investors shall have resold all the Registrable Securities covered thereby; and (ii) the date on which the

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Registrable Securities may be resold by the Investors without registration and without regard to any volume or manner-of-sale limitations by reason of Rule 144, without the requirement for the Company to be in compliance with the current public information requirement under Rule 144 under the Securities Act or any other rule of similar effect (the “Registration Period”). The Initial Registration Statement (including any amendments or supplements thereto and prospectuses contained therein) shall not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein, or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.

(c)Sufficient Number of Shares Registered. In the event the number of shares available under the Initial Registration Statement at any time is insufficient to cover the Registrable Securities, the Company shall, to the extent necessary and permissible, amend the Initial Registration Statement or file a new registration statement (together with any prospectuses or prospectus supplements thereunder, a “New Registration Statement”), so as to cover all of such Registrable Securities as soon as reasonably practicable, but in any event not later than ten Business Days after the necessity therefor arises (the “New Registration Filing Deadline”). The Company shall use its reasonable efforts to have such amendment and/or New Registration Statement become effective as soon as reasonably practicable following the filing thereof but no later than the earlier of (a) the 75th calendar day following the initial filing date of the New Registration Statement if the SEC notifies the Company that it will “review” the New Registration Statement and (b) the fifth Business Day after the date the Company is notified (orally or in writing, whichever is earlier) by the SEC that the New Registration Statement will not be “reviewed” or will not be subject to further review (the earlier of such dates, the “New Registration Effectiveness Deadline”). The provisions of Section 2(a) and (b) shall apply to the New Registration Statement, except as modified hereby.

(d)Liquidated Damages. If (i) the Initial Registration Statement has not been filed by the Filing Deadline, (ii) the Initial Registration Statement has not been declared effective by the Effectiveness Deadline, (iii) the New Registration Statement has not been filed by the New Registration Filing Deadline, (iv) the New Registration Statement has not been declared effective by the New Registration Effectiveness Deadline or (v) after any Registration Statement has been declared effective by the SEC, sales cannot be made pursuant to such Registration Statement for any reason (including without limitation by reason of a stop order, or the Company’s failure to update such Registration Statement), but excluding any Allowed Delay (as defined below) or, if the Registration Statement is on Form S-1, for a period of 20 days following the date on which the Company files a post-effective amendment to incorporate the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, then the Company will make pro rata payments to each Investor then holding Registrable Securities, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, in an amount equal to 1.0% of the aggregate amount paid pursuant to the Purchase Agreement by such Investor for such Registrable Securities then held by such Investor for each 30-day period or pro rata for any portion thereof during which the failure continues (the “Blackout Period”). Such payments shall constitute the Investors’ exclusive monetary remedy for such events, but shall not affect the right of the Investors to seek injunctive relief. The amounts payable as liquidated damages pursuant to this paragraph shall be paid in cash no later than five Business Days after each such 30-day period following the commencement of the Blackout Period until the termination of the Blackout Period (the “Blackout Period Payment Date”). Interest shall accrue at the rate of 1.0% per month on any such liquidated damages payments that shall not be paid by the Blackout Period Payment Date until such amount is paid in full. Notwithstanding the above, in no event shall the aggregate amount of liquidated damages (or interest thereon) paid under this Agreement to any Investor exceed, in the aggregate, 5.0% of the aggregate purchase price of the Shares purchased by such Investor under the Purchase Agreement. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 2(d) to the contrary, during any periods that the Company is unable to meet its obligations hereunder with respect to the registration of the Registrable Securities because any Investor fails to furnish information required to be provided pursuant to Section 2(a) or Section 4(a) within three Business Days of the Company’s request,

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any liquidated damages that would otherwise accrue as to such Investor only shall be tolled until such information is delivered to the Company.

(e)Allowable Delays. On no more than two occasions and for not more than 30 consecutive days or for a total of not more than 60 days in any 12 month period, the Company may delay the effectiveness of the Initial Registration Statement or any other Registration Statement, or suspend the use of any prospectus included in any Registration Statement, in the event that the Company determines in good faith that such delay or suspension is necessary to (A) delay the disclosure of material non-public information concerning the Company, the disclosure of which at the time is not, in the good faith opinion of the Company, in the best interests of the Company or (B) amend or supplement the affected Registration Statement or the related prospectus so that such Registration Statement or prospectus shall not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the case of the prospectus in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading (an “Allowed Delay”); provided, that the Company shall promptly (a) notify each Investor in writing of the commencement of an Allowed Delay, but shall not (without the prior written consent of an Investor) disclose to such Investor any material non-public information giving rise to an Allowed Delay, (b) advise the Investors in writing to cease all sales under the Registration Statement until the end of the Allowed Delay and (c) use commercially reasonable efforts to terminate an Allowed Delay as promptly as practicable.

(f)Rule 415; Cutback. If at any time the SEC takes the position that the offering of some or all of the Registrable Securities in any Registration Statement is not eligible to be made on a delayed or continuous basis under the provisions of Rule 415 under the Securities Act (provided, however, the Company shall be obligated to use reasonable efforts to advocate with the SEC for the registration of all of the Registrable Securities) or requires any Investor to be named as an “underwriter,” the Company shall (i) promptly notify each holder of Registrable Securities thereof and (ii) make commercially reasonable efforts to persuade the SEC that the offering contemplated by such Registration Statement is a valid secondary offering and not an offering “by or on behalf of the issuer” as defined in Rule 415 and that none of the Investors is an “underwriter.” The Investors shall have the right to select one legal counsel, at such Investor’s expense, to review and oversee any registration or matters pursuant to this Section 2(f), including participation in any meetings or discussions with the SEC regarding the SEC’s position and to comment on any written submission made to the SEC with respect thereto. No such written submission with respect to this matter shall be made to the SEC to which any Investor’s counsel reasonably objects. In the event that, despite the Company’s reasonable efforts and compliance with the terms of this Section 2(f), the SEC refuses to alter its position, the Company shall (i) remove from such Registration Statement such portion of the Registrable Securities (the “Cut Back Shares”) and/or (ii) agree to such restrictions and limitations on the registration and resale of the Registrable Securities as the SEC may require to assure the Company’s compliance with the requirements of Rule 415 (collectively, the “SEC Restrictions”); provided, however, that the Company shall not name any Investor as an “underwriter” in such Registration Statement without the prior written consent of such Investor (provided that, in the event an Investor withholds such consent, the Company shall have no obligation hereunder to include any Registrable Securities of such Investor in any Registration Statement covering the resale thereof until such time as the SEC no longer requires such Investor to be named as an “underwriter” in such Registration Statement or such Investor otherwise consents in writing to being so named). Any cut-back imposed on the Investors pursuant to this Section 2(f) shall be allocated among the Investors on a pro rata basis and shall be applied first to any of the Registrable Securities of such Investor as such Investor shall designate, unless the SEC Restrictions otherwise require or provide or the Investors otherwise agree. No liquidated damages shall accrue as to any Cut Back Shares until such date as the Company is able to effect the registration of such Cut Back Shares in accordance with any SEC Restrictions applicable to such Cut Back Shares (such date, the “Restriction Termination Date”). From and after the Restriction Termination Date applicable to any Cut Back Shares, all of the provisions of this Section 2 (including the Company’s obligations with respect

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to the filing of a Registration Statement and its obligations to use reasonable efforts to have such Registration Statement declared effective within the time periods set forth herein and the liquidated damages provisions relating thereto) shall again be applicable to such Cut Back Shares; provided, however, that the date by which the Company is required to file the Registration Statement with respect to such Cut Back Shares shall be the tenth day following the Restriction Termination Date and the date by which the Company is required to have the Registration Statement effective with respect to such Cut Back Shares shall be the 55^th day immediately after the Restriction Termination Date.

3. RELATED COMPANY OBLIGATIONS.

With respect to the Registration Statement and whenever any Registrable Securities are to be Registered pursuant to Section 2, including on the Initial Registration Statement or on any New Registration Statement, the Company shall use its reasonable efforts to effect the registration of the Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method of disposition thereof and, pursuant thereto, the Company shall have the following obligations:

(a)Notifications. The Company will promptly notify the Investors when any subsequent amendment to the Initial Registration Statement or any New Registration Statement, other than documents incorporated by reference, has been filed with the SEC and/or has become effective or where a receipt has been issued therefor or any subsequent supplement to a prospectus has been filed and of any request by the SEC for any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement, any New Registration Statement or any prospectus or for additional information.

(b)Amendments. The Company will prepare and file with the SEC any amendments, post-effective amendments or supplements to the Initial Registration Statement, any New Registration Statement or any related prospectus, as applicable, that, (a) as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective for the Registration Period and to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) with respect to the distribution of all of the Registrable Securities covered thereby, or (b) in the reasonable opinion of the Investors and the Company, as may be necessary or advisable in connection with any acquisition or sale of Registrable Securities by the Investors.

(c)Investor Review. The Company will not file any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement, any New Registration Statement or any prospectus, other than documents incorporated by reference, relating to the Investors, the Registrable Securities or the transactions contemplated hereby unless (A) the Investors and their counsel shall have been advised and afforded the opportunity to review and comment thereon at least three (3) Business Days prior to filing with the SEC and (B) the Company shall have given reasonable due consideration to any comments thereon received from the Investors or their counsel.

(d)Copies Available. The Company will furnish to any Investor whose Registrable Securities are included in any Registration Statement and its counsel copies of the Initial Registration Statement, any prospectus thereunder (including all documents incorporated by reference therein), any prospectus supplement thereunder, any New Registration Statement and all amendments to the Initial Registration Statement or any New Registration Statement that are filed with the SEC during the Registration Period (including all documents filed with or furnished to the SEC during such period that are deemed to be incorporated by reference therein), each letter written by or on behalf of the Company to the SEC or the staff of the SEC, and each item of correspondence from the SEC or the staff of the SEC, in each case relating to such Registration Statement (other than any portion thereof which contains information for which the Company has sought confidential treatment) and such other documents as Investor may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by Investor that

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are covered by such Registration Statement, in each case as soon as reasonably practicable upon such Investor’s request and in such quantities as such Investor may from time to time reasonably request; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to furnish any document to the Investor to the extent such document is available on EDGAR.

(e)Notification of Stop Orders; Material Changes. The Company shall use reasonable efforts to (i) prevent the issuance of any stop order or other suspension of effectiveness and, (ii) if such order is issued, obtain the withdrawal of any such order as soon as practicable. The Company shall advise the Investors promptly (but in no event later than 24 hours) and shall confirm such advice in writing, in each case: (i) of the Company’s receipt of notice of any request by the SEC or any other federal or state governmental authority for amendment of or a supplement to the Registration Statement or any prospectus or for any additional information; (ii) of the Company’s receipt of notice of the issuance by the SEC or any other federal or state governmental authority of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Initial Registration Statement or prohibiting or suspending the use of any prospectus or prospectus supplement, or any New Registration Statement, or of the Company’s receipt of any notification of the suspension of qualification of the Registrable Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or contemplated initiation of any proceeding for such purpose; and (iii) of the Company becoming aware of the happening of any event, which makes any statement of a material fact made in any Registration Statement or any prospectus untrue or which requires the making of any additions to or changes to the statements then made in any Registration Statement or any prospectus in order to state a material fact required by the Securities Act to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements then made therein (in the case of any prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, or of the necessity to amend any Registration Statement or any prospectus to comply with the Securities Act or any other law. The Company shall not be required to disclose to the Investors the substance of specific reasons of any of the events set forth in clause (i) to (iii) of the immediately preceding sentence (each, a “Suspension Event”), but rather, shall only be required to disclose that the event has occurred. If at any time the SEC, or any other federal or state governmental authority shall issue any stop order suspending the effectiveness of any Registration Statement or prohibiting or suspending the use of any prospectus or prospectus supplement, the Company shall use its reasonable efforts to obtain the withdrawal of such order at the earliest practicable time. The Company shall furnish to the Investors, without charge, a copy of any correspondence from the SEC or the staff of the SEC, or any other federal or state governmental authority to the Company or its representatives relating to the Initial Registration Statement, any New Registration Statement or any prospectus, or prospectus supplement as the case may be. In the event of a Suspension Event set forth in clause (iii) of the first sentence of this Section 3(e), the Company will use its commercially reasonable efforts to publicly disclose such event as soon as reasonably practicable, or otherwise resolve the matter such that sales under Registration Statements may resume; provided, however, that if the Company has a bona fide business purpose for not making such information public, the Company may suspend the use of all Registration Statements for up to 60 consecutive calendar days; provided, further, that the Company may not suspend the use of all Registration Statements more than twice, or for more than 90 total calendar days, in each case during any twelve-month period.

(f)Confirmation of Effectiveness. If reasonably requested by an Investor at any time in respect of any Registration Statement, the Company shall deliver to such Investor a written confirmation from Company’s counsel of whether or not the effectiveness of such Registration Statement has lapsed at any time for any reason (including, without limitation, the issuance of a stop order) and whether or not such Registration Statement is currently effective and available to the Company for sale of Registrable Securities.

(g)Listing. The Company shall use reasonable efforts to cause all Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement to be listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

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(h)Compliance. The Company shall otherwise use reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, including, without limitation, Rule 172 under the Securities Act, file any final prospectus, including any supplement or amendment thereof, with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act, promptly inform the Investor in writing if, at any time during the Registration Period, the Company does not satisfy the conditions specified in Rule 172 and, as a result thereof, the Investor is required to deliver a prospectus in connection with any disposition of Registrable Securities and take such other actions as may be reasonably necessary to facilitate the registration of the Registrable Securities hereunder, and make available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than the Availability Date (as defined below), an earnings statement covering a period of at least 12 months, beginning after the effective date of each Registration Statement, which earnings statement shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act, including Rule 158 promulgated thereunder (for the purpose of this subsection 3(h), “Availability Date” means the 45^th day following the end of the fourth fiscal quarter that includes the effective date of such Registration Statement, except that, if such fourth fiscal quarter is the last quarter of the Company’s fiscal year, “Availability Date” means the 90^th day after the end of such fourth fiscal quarter).

(i)Blue-Sky. The Company shall register or qualify or cooperate with the Investor and their counsel in connection with the registration or qualification of such Registrable Securities for the offer and sale under the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions reasonably requested by the Investor; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith or as a condition thereto to (i) qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this Section 3(i), (ii) subject itself to general taxation in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be so subject but for this Section 3(i), or (iii) file a general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction.

(j)Rule 144. With a view to making available to the Investors the benefits of Rule 144 (or its successor rule) and any other rule or regulation of the SEC that may at any time permit the Investors to sell shares of Common Stock to the public without registration, the Company covenants and agrees to: (i) make and keep adequate current public information available, as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144, until the earlier of (A) six months after such date as all of the Registrable Securities may be sold without restriction by the holders thereof pursuant to Rule 144 or any other rule of similar effect or (B) such date as there are no longer Registrable Securities; and (ii) file with the SEC in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under the Exchange Act; (iii) furnish electronically to each Investor upon request, as long as such Investor owns any Registrable Securities, (A) a written statement by the Company that it has complied with the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, (B) a copy of or electronic access to the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and (C) such other information as may be reasonably requested in order to avail such Investor of any rule or regulation of the SEC that permits the selling of any such Registrable Securities without registration.

(k)Cooperation. The Company shall cooperate with the holders of the Registrable Securities to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates or uncertificated shares representing the Registrable Securities to be sold pursuant to such Registration Statement or Rule 144 free of any restrictive legends and representing such number of shares of Common Stock and registered in such names as the holders of the Registrable Securities may reasonably request to the extent permitted by such Registration Statement or Rule 144 to effect sales of Registrable Securities; for the avoidance of doubt, the Company may satisfy its obligations hereunder without issuing physical stock certificates through the use of The Depository Trust Company’s Direct Registration System.

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4. OBLIGATIONS OF THE INVESTORS.

(a)Investor Information. Each Investor shall provide a completed Investor Questionnaire in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B in connection with the registration of the Registrable Securities. If the Company has not received such completed Investor Questionnaire from an Investor within three Business Days of the Company’s request, the Company may file the Registration Statement without including such Investor’s Registrable Securities.

(b)Suspension of Sales. Each Investor, severally and not jointly with any other Investor, agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the existence of Suspension Event as set forth in Section 3(e), the Investor will immediately discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to any Registration Statement covering such Registrable Securities until the Investor’s receipt of a notice from the Company confirming the resolution of such Suspension Event and that such dispositions may again be made.

(c)Investor Cooperation. Each Investor, severally and not jointly with any other Investor, agrees to cooperate with the Company as reasonably requested by the Company in connection with the preparation and filing of any amendments and supplements to any Registration Statement or New Registration Statement hereunder, unless such Investor has notified the Company in writing of its election to exclude all of its Registrable Securities from such Registration Statement.

5. EXPENSES OF REGISTRATION.

All Registration Expenses incurred in connection with registrations pursuant to this Agreement shall be borne by the Company. All Selling Expenses relating to securities registered on behalf of the Investors shall be borne by the Investors pro rata on the basis of the number of Registrable Securities so registered.

6. INDEMNIFICATION.

(a)To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company will, and hereby does, indemnify, hold harmless and defend the Investors, each Person, if any, who controls the Investors, the members, the directors, officers, partners, employees, members, managers, agents, representatives and advisors of the Investors and each Person, if any, who controls the Investors within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (each, an “Indemnified Person”), against any losses, obligation, claims, damages, liabilities, contingencies, judgments, fines, penalties, charges, costs (including, without limitation, court costs and costs of preparation), reasonable and documented attorneys’ fees, amounts paid in settlement or reasonable and documented expenses, (collectively, “Claims”) reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending any action, claim, suit, inquiry, proceeding, investigation or appeal taken from the foregoing by or before any court or governmental, administrative or other regulatory agency or body or the SEC, whether pending or threatened, whether or not an Indemnified Person is or may be a party thereto (“Indemnified Damages”), to which any of them may become subject insofar as such Claims (or actions or proceedings, whether commenced or threatened, in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon: (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission of any material fact contained in any Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or final prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereof, or (ii) any violation or alleged violation by the Company or any of its subsidiaries of the Securities Act, Exchange Act or any other state securities or other “blue sky” laws of any jurisdiction in which Registrable Securities are offered or any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder applicable to the Company or its agents and relating to action or inaction required of the Company in connection with such registration of the Registrable Securities (the matters in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) being, collectively, “Violations”). The Company shall reimburse each Indemnified Person promptly as such expenses are incurred and are due and payable, for any reasonable out-of-pocket legal fees or other reasonable and documented expenses incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any

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such Claim. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the indemnification agreement contained in this Section 6(a): (A) shall not apply to a Claim by an Indemnified Person arising out of or based upon a Violation which occurs in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by the Investors or such Indemnified Person specifically for use in such Registration Statement or prospectus and was reviewed and approved in writing by such Investor or such Indemnified Person expressly for use in connection with the preparation of any Registration Statement, any prospectus or any such amendment thereof or supplement thereto, if such in each case if the foregoing was timely made available by the Company; (B) with respect to any superseded prospectus, shall not inure to the benefit of any such Person from whom the Person asserting any such Claim purchased the Registrable Securities that are the subject thereof (or to the benefit of any other Indemnified Person) if the untrue statement or omission of material fact contained in the superseded prospectus was corrected in the revised prospectus, as then amended or supplemented, and the Indemnified Person was promptly advised in writing not to use the outdated, defective or incorrect prospectus prior to the use giving rise to a Violation; (C) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any Claim if such settlement is effected without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Indemnified Person and shall survive the transfer of the Registrable Securities by the Investor pursuant to Section 8.

(b)In connection with the Initial Registration Statement, any New Registration Statement or any prospectus, the Investors, severally and not jointly, agree to indemnify, hold harmless and defend, the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who signed the Initial Registration Statement or signs any New Registration Statement, each Person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (each, an “Indemnified Party”), against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expense (including reasonable attorney fees) resulting from any Violation, in each case to the extent, and only to the extent, that such Violation occurs in reliance upon and in conformity with information about an Investor furnished in writing by such Investor to the Company and reviewed and approved in writing by such Investor or such Indemnified Person expressly for use in connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement, any New Registration Statement, any prospectus or any such amendment thereof or supplement thereto. In no event shall the liability of an Investor be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the proceeds (net of all expense paid by such Investor in connection with any claim relating to this Section 6 and the amount of any damages such Investor has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue statement or omission) received by such Investor upon the sale of the Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement giving rise to such indemnification obligation. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of such Indemnified Party and shall survive the transfer of the Registrable Securities by any Investor pursuant to Section 8.

(c)Promptly after receipt by an Indemnified Person or Indemnified Party under this Section 6 of notice of the commencement of any action or proceeding (including any governmental action or proceeding) involving a Claim, such Indemnified Person or Indemnified Party shall, if a Claim in respect thereof is to be made against any indemnifying party under this Section 6, deliver to the indemnifying party a written notice of the commencement thereof, and the indemnifying party shall have the right to participate in, and, to the extent the indemnifying party so desires, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly noticed, to assume control of the defense thereof with counsel mutually satisfactory to the indemnifying party and the Indemnified Person or the Indemnified Party, as the case may be, and upon such notice, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to the Indemnified Person or the Indemnified Party for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the Indemnified Person or the Indemnified Party in connection with the defense thereof; provided, however, that an Indemnified Person or Indemnified Party (together with all other Indemnified Persons and Indemnified Parties that may be represented without conflict by one counsel) shall have the right to retain its own counsel with the reasonable fees and expenses to be paid by

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the indemnifying party, if, in the reasonable opinion of counsel retained by the indemnifying party, the representation by such counsel of the Indemnified Person or Indemnified Party and the indemnifying party would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between such Indemnified Person or Indemnified Party and any other party represented by such counsel in such proceeding. The Indemnified Party or Indemnified Person shall cooperate with the indemnifying party in connection with any negotiation or defense of any such action or claim by the indemnifying party and shall furnish to the indemnifying party all information reasonably available to the Indemnified Party or Indemnified Person which relates to such action or claim. The indemnifying party shall keep the Indemnified Party or Indemnified Person fully apprised as to the status of the defense or any settlement negotiations with respect thereto. No indemnifying party shall be liable for any settlement of any action, claim or proceeding effected without its written consent, provided, however, that the indemnifying party shall not unreasonably withhold, delay or condition its consent. No indemnifying party shall, without the consent of the Indemnified Party or Indemnified Person, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement or other compromise unless such judgment or settlement (i) imposes no liability or obligation on, (ii) includes as an unconditional term thereof the giving of a complete, explicit and unconditional release from the party bringing such indemnified claims of all liability of the Indemnified Party or Indemnified Person in respect to or arising out of such claim or litigation in favor of, and (iii) does not include any admission of fault, culpability, wrongdoing, or wrongdoing or malfeasance by or on behalf of, the Indemnified Party or Indemnified Person. Following indemnification as provided for hereunder, the indemnifying party shall be subrogated to all rights of the Indemnified Party or Indemnified Person with respect to all third parties, firms or corporations relating to the matter for which indemnification has been made. The failure to deliver written notice to the indemnifying party within a reasonable time of the commencement of any such action shall not relieve such indemnifying party of any liability to the Indemnified Person or Indemnified Party under this Section 6, except to the extent that the indemnifying party is prejudiced in its ability to defend such action.

(d)The indemnification required by this Section 6 shall be made by periodic payments of the amount thereof during the course of the investigation or defense, as and when bills are received or Indemnified Damages are incurred. Any Person receiving a payment pursuant to this Section 6 which person is later determined to not be entitled to such payment shall return such payment (including reimbursement of expenses) to the person making it.

(e)The indemnity agreements contained herein shall be in addition to (i) any cause of action or similar right of the Indemnified Party or Indemnified Person against the indemnifying party or others, and (ii) any liabilities the indemnifying party may be subject to pursuant to the law.

7. CONTRIBUTION.

To the extent any indemnification by an indemnifying party is prohibited or limited by law, the indemnifying party agrees to make the maximum contribution with respect to any amounts for which it would otherwise be liable under Section 6 to the fullest extent permitted by law; provided, however, that: (i) no seller of Registrable Securities guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any seller of Registrable Securities who was not guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation; and (ii) contribution by any seller of Registrable Securities shall be limited in amount to the net amount of proceeds (net of all expenses paid by such holder in connection with any claim relating to this Section 7 and the amount of any damages such holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission) received by such seller from the sale of such Registrable Securities giving rise to such contribution obligation.

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8. ASSIGNMENT OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS.

The Company shall not assign this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder (whether by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the Investors holding a majority of the Registrable Securities then outstanding; provided, however, that in any transaction, whether by merger, reorganization, restructuring, consolidation, financing or otherwise, whereby the Company is a party and in which the Registrable Securities are converted into the equity securities of another Person, from and after the effective time of such transaction, such Person shall, by virtue of such transaction, be deemed to have assumed the obligations of the Company hereunder, the term “Company” shall be deemed to refer to such Person and the term “Registrable Securities” shall be deemed to include the securities received by the Investor in connection with such transaction unless such securities are otherwise freely tradable by the Investor after giving effect to such transaction, and the prior written consent of the Investors holding a majority of the Registrable Securities then outstanding shall not be required for such transaction.

An Investor may transfer or assign its rights hereunder, in whole or from time to time in part, to one or more Persons in connection with the transfer of not fewer than 100,000 Registrable Securities by such Investor to such Person, provided that such Investor complies with all laws applicable thereto, and the provisions of the Purchase Agreement, and provides written notice of assignment to the Company promptly after such assignment is effected, and such Person agrees in writing to be bound by all of the provisions contained herein.

The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Investor and its successors and permitted assigns.

9. AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS.

The provisions of this Agreement, including the provisions of this sentence, may be amended, modified or supplemented, or waived only by a written instrument executed by (i) the Company and (ii) the holders of a majority of the then outstanding Registrable Securities, provided that any party may give a waiver as to itself and provided further that any amendment, modification, supplement or waiver that disproportionately and adversely affects the rights and obligations of any Investor relative to the comparable rights and obligations of the other Investors shall require the prior written consent of such adversely affected Investor or each Investor, as applicable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a waiver or consent to depart from the provisions hereof with respect to a matter that relates exclusively to the rights of one or more Investors and that does not adversely directly or indirectly affect the rights of other Investors may be given by Investors holding all of the Registrable Securities to which such waiver or consent relates.

10. MISCELLANEOUS.

(a)Notices. Any notices or other communications required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to be given (a) when delivered if personally delivered to the party for whom it is intended, (b) when delivered, if sent by electronic mail during normal business hours of the recipient, and if not sent during normal business hours, then on the earlier of (x) confirmation of receipt or (y) the opening of business on the recipient’s next Business Day, (c) three days after having been sent by certified or registered mail, return-receipt requested and postage prepaid, or (d) one Business Day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, freight prepaid, specifying next business day delivery, with written verification of receipt:

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i.If to the Company, addressed as follows:

Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc.

701 Lee Road, Suite 103

Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087

Attention: [***]

Email: [***]

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice):

Cooley LLP

11951 Freedom Drive

14th Floor

Reston, Virginia 20190-5656

Attention: [***]

Email: [***]

ii.If to any Investor, at its e-mail address or address set forth on its signature page to the Purchase Agreement or to such e-mail address, or address as subsequently modified by written notice given in accordance with this Section 10.

Any Person may change the address to which notices and communications to it are to be addressed by notification as provided for herein.

(b)Consent to Electronic Notice. Each Investor consents to the delivery of any stockholder notice pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”), as amended or superseded from time to time, by electronic mail pursuant to Section 232 of the DGCL (or any successor thereto) at the e-mail address set forth below the Investor’s name on the signature page, as updated from time to time by notice to the Company. To the extent that any notice given by means of electronic mail is returned or undeliverable for any reason, the foregoing consent shall be deemed to have been revoked until a new or corrected e-mail address has been provided, and such attempted electronic notice shall be ineffective and deemed to not have been given. Each party agrees to promptly notify the other parties of any change in its e-mail address, and that failure to do so shall not affect the foregoing.

(c)Waiver. No waiver of any term, provision or condition of this Agreement, whether by conduct or otherwise, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be, or be construed as, a further or continuing waiver of any such term, provision or condition or as a waiver of any other term, provision or condition of this Agreement.

(d)Governing Law. The provisions of Section 8.5 of the Purchase Agreement are incorporated by reference herein mutatis mutandis.

(e)Headings. The titles, subtitles and headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference and shall not form part of, or affect the interpretation of, this Agreement.

(f)Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more identical counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other party; provided that a facsimile or pdf signature including any electronic signatures complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, e.g., www.docusign.com shall be considered due execution and shall be binding upon the signatory thereto with the same force and effect as if the signature were an original, not a facsimile or pdf (or other electronic reproduction of a) signature.

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(g)Further Assurances. Each party shall do and perform, or cause to be done and performed, all such further acts and things, and shall execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents as the other party may reasonably request in order to carry out the intent and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

(h)Contract Interpretation. This Agreement is the joint product of each Investor and the Company and each provision hereof has been subject to the mutual consultation, negotiation and agreement of such parties and shall not be construed for or against any party hereto.

(i)No Third Party Beneficiaries. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer on any Person other than the parties to this Agreement any rights, remedies, claims, benefits, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, and no Person that is not a party to this Agreement (including, without limitation, any partner, member, shareholder, director, officer, employee or other beneficial owner of any party to this Agreement, in its own capacity as such or in bringing a derivative action on behalf of a party to this Agreement) shall have any standing as a third party beneficiary with respect to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

(j)Severability. If any part or provision of this Agreement is held unenforceable or in conflict with the applicable laws or regulations of any jurisdiction, the invalid or unenforceable part or provisions shall be replaced with a provision which accomplishes, to the extent possible, the original business purpose of such part or provision in a valid and enforceable manner, and the remainder of this Agreement shall remain binding upon the parties hereto.

(k)Non-Recourse. Notwithstanding anything that may be expressed or implied in this Agreement, the Company covenants, agrees and acknowledges that no recourse under this Agreement or any documents or instruments delivered in connection with this Agreement shall be had against any current or future director, officer, employee, stockholder, general or limited partner or member of the Investors or of any affiliates or assignees thereof, whether by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding, or by virtue of any statute, regulation or other applicable law, it being expressly agreed and acknowledged that no personal liability whatsoever shall attach to, be imposed on or otherwise be incurred by any current or future director, officer, employee, stockholder, general or limited partner or member of the Investors or of any affiliates or assignees thereof, as such for any obligation of the Investors under this Agreement or any documents or instruments delivered in connection with this Agreement for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or their creation.

(l)Specific Performance. In addition to any and all other remedies that may be available at law in the event of any breach of this Agreement, each Investor shall be entitled to specific performance of the agreements and obligations of the Company hereunder and to such other injunction or other equitable relief as may be granted by a court of competent jurisdiction.

(m)Cumulative Remedies. The remedies provided herein are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

[Signature Page Follows]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Registration Rights Agreement to be duly executed as of date first written above.

COMPANY:
Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc.
By:
	Name:	Neal Walker
	Title:	Interim Chief Executive Officer

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Registration Rights Agreement to be duly executed as of date first written above.

INVESTOR:

[NAME]

By:

Name:

Title:

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]

EX-10.3

Exhibit 10.3

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Employment Agreement”), effective as of November 18, 2024 (“Agreement Effective Date”), is made by and between Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (“Employer”) and Hugh Davis (“Executive”).

WHEREAS, Executive desires to provide services to Employer and Employer desires to retain the services of Executive;

WHEREAS, Employer and Executive desire to formalize the terms and conditions of Executive’s employment with Employer; and

WHEREAS, this Employment Agreement has been duly approved and its execution has been duly authorized by Employer’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein Employer and Executive hereby agree as follows:

SECTION 1. EMPLOYMENT

1.1General. Employer hereby agrees to employ Executive in the capacity of President and Chief Operating Officer (“COO”). Executive hereby accepts such employment upon the terms and subject to the conditions herein contained.

1.2Authority and Duties. Executive shall have full responsibility as the President and COO of Employer and all authority normally accorded to such position. Executive agrees to perform such duties and responsibilities commensurate with the position of President and COO as may reasonably be determined by the Board.

1.2.1Reporting. During Executive’s employment with Employer, Executive will report directly to, and take direction from, the Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”).

1.2.2Time to Be Devoted to Employment. During Executive’s Employment with Employer, Executive shall diligently devote his efforts, business time, attention and energies to the business of Employer and will not, while employed by Employer, undertake or engage in any other employment, occupation or business enterprise that would, as determined in the sole discretion of Employer, interfere with Executive’s responsibilities and the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder except for (i) reasonable time devoted to volunteer services for or on behalf of such religious, educational, non-profit and/or other charitable organization as Executive may wish to serve, (ii) reasonable time devoted to activities in the non-profit and business communities consistent with Executive’s duties; and (iii) reasonable time devoted to service as a member of the board of directors of the entities listed on Exhibit A (as described in Section 1.3) or as otherwise permitted pursuant to Section 1.3. This restriction shall not, however, preclude Executive (x) from owning less than one percent (1%) of the total outstanding shares of a publicly traded company, or (y) from employment or service in any capacity with Affiliates of Employer.  As used in this Employment Agreement, “Affiliates” means an entity under common management or control with Employer.

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1.3Other Responsibilities. Notwithstanding Section 1.2.2 above, Executive will not engage in any other for-profit business, profession or occupation, including as a member of a board of directors of any third party, for compensation which would materially conflict or materially interfere with the rendition of services hereunder, without the prior written consent of the Board, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.  Any uncertainty as to whether such a conflict exists will be raised by Executive for determination by the Board, acting reasonably. The Board acknowledges that Executive has ongoing participation in other private and public businesses that have been disclosed by Executive and are listed on Exhibit A and that such participation does not, as of the Agreement Effective Date, conflict with his role at Employer.  participation does not, as of the Agreement Effective Date, conflict with his role at Employer.  Employer reserves the right to revisit Executive’s outside activities and may, in its sole, but reasonable, discretion, revoke its approval of Executive’s outside activities (including Executive’s activities listed on Exhibit A) in the event Employer concludes that any such activities conflict with Executive’s obligations to Employer.  For avoidance of doubt, in the event that Employer determines, in its sole, but reasonable, discretion, that a conflict of interest exists between Executive’s obligations to Employer and Executive’s outside activities (including Executive’s activities listed on Exhibit A) then Employer may request that Executive resign from any such role and/or terminate any such outside activity.  The parties agree that Executive’s refusal to comply with such a request from Employer will constitute Executive’s resignation without Good Reason (as defined in Section 3.1.7 herein), with immediate effect, and Executive will not be eligible for the severance benefits set forth in either Sections 3.2.1 or 3.2.3 herein. Except for the businesses listed on Exhibit A, which have already been approved, Executive agrees to disclose to the Board and receive prior written consent from the Board to participate as a director, with any competing company whether it is a private or public company. Executive further agrees to disclose any other director positions with any other company that may materially affect his ability to perform his duties and responsibilities under this Employment Agreement.  Notwithstanding the above, nothing herein shall limit or preclude Executive from managing any passive investments made by Executive.

1.4Location of Employment. Executive’s principal place of employment during his employment with Employer shall be Executive’s primary residence (or other remote work location) or such other location as Employer and Executive shall agree; provided however, that from time to time Executive may be required to travel to Employer’s offices, including Employer’s principal executive office currently located in Wayne, Pennsylvania and Employer’s office in St. Louis, Missouri.

SECTION 2. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

2.1Salary. Beginning as of the Agreement Effective Date, Employer will pay to Executive an annual base salary of $500,000 payable subject to standard federal and state payroll withholding requirements in accordance with the regular payroll practices of Employer (“Base Salary”). The annual Base Salary may be increased (but not decreased without written consent of Executive) during the term of this Employment Agreement by the Board in its sole discretion.

2.2Additional Compensation. In addition to the salary set forth in Section 2.1, Executive shall be entitled to receive a cash bonus in accordance with the terms of this Section 2.2. For each fiscal year of Employer, beginning January 1, during the Employment Term (as defined in Section 2.4 hereof), Executive shall be eligible to receive a cash bonus based on (i) the

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“Annual Bonus Expectancy Amount,” which shall be an amount equal to 40% of Executive’s Base Salary for the applicable fiscal year (provided that for fiscal year 2024, Executive’s base salary for purposes of calculating his bonus under this section shall be the total salary paid to him for the year), and (ii) Executive’s attainment of performance targets and other reasonable criteria established by the Board, to the extent possible, by the end of the first month of such fiscal year. Depending on the targets and criteria which are achieved or met, the amount of the cash bonus actually payable to Executive for each fiscal year will be an amount from zero to and including the Annual Bonus Expectancy Amount. Any cash bonus amount payable pursuant to this Section 2.2 shall be paid to Executive as soon as practicable, but in no event later than two and one-half (2 1/2) months, following the end of the fiscal year to which it relates. For the avoidance of doubt, Executive does not have to be employed by Employer on the date such bonus is approved or paid by Employer to receive such bonus.

2.3Executive Benefits. In addition to the salary and additional compensation set forth in Sections 2.1 and 2.2, Executive shall also be entitled to the following benefits during Executive’s employment hereunder:

2.3.1Expenses. Employer will promptly reimburse Executive for expenses he reasonably incurs in connection with the performance of his duties (including business travel and entertainment expenses), in accordance with Employer’s standard expense reimbursement policy, as the same may be modified by Employer from time to time; provided, however, that Executive has provided Employer with documentation of such expenses in accordance with the Employer’s expense reimbursement policies and applicable tax requirements. For the avoidance of doubt, to the extent that any reimbursements payable to Executive are subject to the provisions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”): (a) any such reimbursements will be paid no later than December 31 of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred, (b) the amount of expenses reimbursed in one year will not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement in any subsequent year, and (c) the right to reimbursement under this Employment Agreement will not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

2.3.2Employer Plans.  Executive will be eligible to participate on the same basis as similarly situated full-time employees in Employer’s employee benefit plans and programs, as they may be interpreted, adopted, revised or deleted from time to time in Employer’s sole discretion, subject to and on a basis consistent with the terms, conditions and overall administration of such plans and programs. All matters of eligibility for coverage or benefits under any benefit plan shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of such plan. Employer retains the unilateral right to amend, modify or terminate any of its employee benefit plans and programs at any time.

2.3.3Vacation. Executive shall be eligible for paid vacation leave (not including regular holidays) in accordance with Employer’s applicable vacation or PTO policy and consistent with the needs of the business. Vacation must be scheduled at those times convenient to Employer’s business as reasonably determined by the CEO.

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2.3.4Coverage. Nothing in this Employment Agreement shall prevent Executive from participating in any other compensation plan or benefit plan made available to similarly situated full-time employees of Employer.

2.3.5Withholding. All compensation shall be subject to withholding of taxes and deductions of other amounts as may be required by law.

2.4Employment Term. Unless earlier terminated pursuant to Section 3.1, Executive’s employment by Employer pursuant to this Employment Agreement shall continue until the second anniversary of the Agreement Effective Date (the “Initial Term”). Thereafter, this Employment Agreement shall be automatically renewed for successive one (1) year periods (any subsequent employment period being referred to herein as the “Renewal Term”, and together with the Initial Term, the “Employment Term”); provided, however, that either party may elect to not renew this Employment Agreement by written notice to such effect delivered to the other party at least ninety (90) days prior to expiration of the Initial Term or the Renewal Term.

SECTION 3. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

3.1Events of Termination. Executive’s employment with Employer will terminate upon the occurrence of any one or more of the following events:

3.1.1Death. In the event of Executive’s death, Executive’s employment will terminate on the date of death.

3.1.2Disability. In the event of Executive’s Disability (as hereinafter defined), Employer will have the option to terminate Executive’s employment by giving a notice of termination to Executive. The notice of termination shall specify the date of termination, which date shall not be earlier than thirty (30) calendar days after the notice of termination is given. For purposes of this Employment Agreement, “Disability” has the meaning set forth in Employer’s long term disability plan.

3.1.3Termination by Employer for Cause. Employer may, at its option, terminate Executive’s employment for Cause (as hereinafter defined) by unilateral action of the Board of Directors upon giving a notice of termination to Executive. “Cause” shall mean (i) Executive’s conviction of, or guilty plea to, a felony (other than traffic violations); (ii) any act(s) or omission(s) by Executive which constitutes gross negligence or a material breach of Executive’s duty of loyalty; (iii) any material breach by Executive of Employer’s personnel policies; (iv) refusal to follow or implement a clear and reasonable directive of Employer; (v) breach of fiduciary duty; or (vi) a material violation or breach by Executive of this Employment Agreement (other than an event described in the foregoing clauses) or any other agreement between the parties. If Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause pursuant to this Section 3.1.3, the effective date of such termination shall be the later of the date the notice of termination is given or the date set forth in such notice of termination.

3.1.4Without Cause By Employer. Employer may, at its option, terminate Executive’s employment for any reason whatsoever (other than for the other reasons set forth above in this Section 3.1 that would constitute “Cause” to terminate) by giving a notice of

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termination to Executive, and Executive’s employment shall terminate on the later of the date the notice of termination is given or the date set forth in such notice of termination.

3.1.5By Executive. Executive may, at any time, terminate Executive’s employment for any reason whatsoever by giving a notice of termination to Employer. Executive’s employment shall terminate on the earlier of (i) thirty (30) calendar days after the date of receipt by Employer of the notice of termination or (ii) such earlier date as the Employer and Executive shall agree.

3.1.6Termination Upon Non-Renewal. Either party may terminate this Employment Agreement and Executive’s employment hereunder by providing the other party notice in accordance with Section 2.4 above, in which case this Employment Agreement and Executive’s employment hereunder shall terminate on the last date of the Initial Term or the Renewal Term, as the case may be. For the avoidance of doubt, Executive shall continue to be employed by Employer, on the same terms and conditions as set forth in this Employment Agreement during the ninety (90)-day notice period provided by either party to the other party in accordance with Section 2.4 above, unless, Employer, in its sole discretion elects to have Executive cease work for Employer, in all capacities, during such notice period. In such event, Employer shall pay Executive all compensation in accordance with Section 3.2.3.

3.1.7For Good Reason by Executive. Executive may, at his option, terminate Executive’s employment for “Good Reason” by giving a notice of termination to Employer in the event that, in the absence of events that would support a termination of Executive for Cause:

(i)there is a material failure of Employer (or successor employer) to pay Executive’s salary or additional compensation or benefits hereunder in accordance with this Employment Agreement;

(ii)Executive’s Base Salary is materially decreased without his prior written consent;

(iii)Executive is assigned duties materially inconsistent with his title and the responsibilities set forth in Executive’s job description, without Executive’s prior written consent;

(iv)Executive’s place of employment is changed to a location that is greater than fifty (50) miles from Executive’s current place of employment (disregarding for this purpose any remote work arrangements); or

(v)any other material violation or breach by Employer of this Employment Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the events described in clauses (i) through (iv) above shall constitute Good Reason unless Executive shall have notified Employer in writing describing the event which constitute Good Reason within thirty (30) days after Executive first becomes aware of such event and then only if Employer shall have failed to reasonably cure such events, if curable, within thirty (30) days after Employer’s receipt of such written notice and Executive elects to terminate his employment as a result within thirty (30) days following the end of such thirty (30) day period (assuming, for the avoidance of doubt, that Employer does not elect to cure).

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3.2Certain Obligations of Employer Following Termination of Executive’s Employment. Following the termination of Executive’s employment under the circumstances described below, Employer will pay to Executive, subject to standard federal and state payroll withholding requirements and in accordance with its regular payroll practices, the following compensation and provide the following benefits (provided that the continuing payments of Executive’s then-current Base Salary, as described below, shall occur no less frequently than monthly):

3.2.1Death; Disability; Termination by Employer Without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason. In the event that Executive’s employment is terminated by Employer pursuant to Section 3.1.1 (“Death”), Section 3.1.2 (“Disability”), Section 3.1.4 (“Without Cause by Employer”) or by Executive pursuant to Section 3.1.7 (“Termination by Executive for Good Reason”) hereof, and Executive, or his estate, as the case may be, executes and does not revoke a separation agreement containing a release upon such termination, in a form provided by the Employer, of any and all claims against Employer and all related parties with respect to all matters arising out of Executive’s employment by Employer, or the termination thereof (the “Release”) in accordance with Section 3.7, Executive, or his estate, as the case may be, shall be entitled to the following payments and benefits, which payments and benefits shall be paid in accordance with this Section 3.2.1 and Section 3.7:

(i)Continuing payments of Executive’s then-current Base Salary for the Severance Period (as defined in Section 3.5 herein), payable subject to standard federal and state payroll withholding requirements in accordance with Employer’s regular payroll practices on Employer’s normal payroll schedule over the Severance Period, subject to Section 3.7;

(ii)Employer shall pay to Executive a lump sum payment equal to the gross sum of any bonuses or portion thereof for any preceding year or for the year of termination which have been or are approved by Employer, but has not been received by Executive prior to the effective date of termination, less applicable deductions and withholdings, paid in accordance with Section 2.2 but in no event later than two and one-half (2 1/2) months following the end of the fiscal year to which it relates. For the avoidance of doubt, Executive does not have to be employed by Employer on the date such bonuses are approved by Employer to receive such bonuses;

(iii)So long as Executive is eligible, and so long as Executive remains eligible, for and upon his timely election of coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, or, if applicable, state or local insurance laws (“COBRA”), Employer will continue to pay, directly to the healthcare provider when due, Employer’s portion of the medical, vision and dental coverage premiums (and Executive will be responsible for Executive’s portion) for a period of twelve (12) months after the effective date of Executive’s termination (the “COBRA Payment Period”); provided that, if at any time Employer determines, in its sole discretion, that the payment of the COBRA premiums would result in a violation of the nondiscrimination rules of Section 105(h)(2) of the Code or any statute or regulation of similar effect (including but not limited to the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the 2010

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Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act), then in lieu of providing the COBRA premiums for the remainder of the COBRA Payment Period, Employer will instead pay Executive on the first day of each month of the remainder of the COBRA Payment Period, a fully taxable cash payment equal to the COBRA premiums for that month, subject to applicable tax withholdings, for the remainder of the COBRA Payment Period; and

(iv)In the event such termination of employment occurs on or within three (3) months prior to or within twelve (12) months following the effective date of a Change of Control (as defined herein), Executive shall be entitled to the additional following payments and benefits (for the avoidance of doubt, Executive shall also be entitled to the amounts set forth in Section 3.2.1(i)-(iii)):

(1)Employer shall pay to Executive a lump sum payment equal to the Annual Expectancy Bonus Amount (target bonus), less applicable deductions and withholdings, paid within thirty (30) days of the later of (a) the effective date of the Change of Control or (b) Executive’s termination, if such termination occurs on or after the effective date of a Change of Control; and

(2)In the event such termination of employment occurs (A) on or within three (3) months prior to the effective date of a Change of Control, all unvested stock options and other equity awards held by Executive and outstanding on the effective date of termination shall become fully vested on the effective date of the Change of Control, or (B) within twelve (12) months following the effective date of a Change of Control, provided that any surviving corporation or acquiring corporation assumes Executive’s stock options and/or other equity awards, as applicable, or substitutes similar stock options or equity awards for Executive’s stock options and/or equity awards, as applicable, in accordance with the terms of Employer’s applicable equity incentive plans, all such unvested stock options and other equity awards held by Executive and outstanding on the effective date of termination shall become fully vested on the date of such termination.

For purposes of this Employment Agreement, “Change of Control” means, in each case as approved by the Board and the requisite stockholders of Employer, (i) any consolidation or merger of Employer with or into any other corporation or other entity or person, or any other corporate reorganization, in which the stockholders of Employer immediately prior to such consolidation, merger or reorganization, own, in the aggregate, less than 50% of the surviving entity’s voting power and/or outstanding capital stock immediately after such consolidation, merger or reorganization, or any transaction or series of related transactions (including any transaction which results from an option agreement or binding letter of intent with a third party) to which Employer or any of its stockholders is a party in which in excess of 50% of Employer’s voting power and/or outstanding capital stock is transferred, or pursuant to which any person or group of affiliated persons obtains in excess of 50% of Employer’s voting power and/or outstanding capital stock, excluding any consolidation or merger effected exclusively to change the domicile of Employer; or (ii) any sale, license or other disposition (including through a Board and stockholder approved division or spin-off transaction) of all or substantially all of

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the assets of Employer and/or any of its subsidiaries or any sale, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of Employer’s intellectual property, as reasonably determined based upon the potential earning power of the assets or intellectual property; provided, however, that none of the following shall constitute a Change of Control: (A) transfers of capital stock by an existing stockholder as a result of death or otherwise for estate planning purposes or to such stockholder’s affiliates or to any of Employer’s other existing stockholders, and (B) issuances of equity securities of Employer in connection with financings for working capital and other general corporate purposes; and, provided further, that such “Change of Control” qualifies as either a change in ownership of Employer as defined in Section 409A of the Code (“Section 409A”) or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of Employer’s assets as defined in Section 409A, as the case may be.

3.2.2Termination by Executive Other than For Good Reason; Termination Upon Non-Renewal by Executive; Termination by Employer for Cause. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated by Executive other than for Good Reason pursuant to Section 3.1.5 hereof (“By Executive”) or by Executive pursuant to Section 3.1.6 hereof (“Termination Upon Non-Renewal”) or by Employer pursuant to Section 3.1.3 hereof (“Termination by Employer for Cause”), Executive shall be entitled to no further compensation or other benefits under this Employment Agreement except as to that portion of any unpaid salary and other benefits accrued and earned by him hereunder up to and including the effective date of such termination and to offer COBRA coverage at Executive’s cost pursuant to applicable law.

3.2.3Termination Upon Non-Renewal by Employer. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated by Employer pursuant to Section 3.1.6 hereof, then during the ninety (90)-day notice period of Section 2.4, Employer shall continue to pay to Executive his then-current Base Salary and benefits subject to standard federal and state payroll withholding requirements and in accordance with Employer’s regular payroll practices, and no later than the effective date of termination of employment, Employer shall pay to Executive any such unpaid salary accrued and earned by him up to and including the effective date of termination. In addition, in the event Executive’s employment is terminated by Employer pursuant to Section 3.1.6 hereof, then provided Executive executes and does not revoke a Release in accordance with Section 3.7, Executive shall be entitled to the following, which payments and benefits shall be paid in accordance with this Section 3.2.3 and Section 3.7:

(i)Continuing payments of Executive’s then-current Base Salary for the Severance Period payable subject to standard federal and state payroll withholding requirements in accordance with Employer’s regular payroll practices on Employer’s normal payroll schedule over the Severance Period, subject to Section 3.7;

(ii)Employer shall pay to Executive a lump sum payment equal to the gross sum of any bonuses or portion thereof for any preceding year or for the year of termination which have been or are approved by Employer, but has not been received by Executive prior to the effective date of termination, less applicable deductions and withholdings, paid in accordance with Section 2.2 but in no event later than two and one-half (2 1/2) months following the end of the fiscal year to which it relates. For the avoidance of

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doubt, Executive does not have to be employed by Employer on the date such bonuses are approved by Employer to receive such bonuses; and

(iii)So long as Executive is eligible, and so long as Executive remains eligible, for and upon his timely election of coverage under COBRA, Employer will continue to pay, directly to the healthcare provider when due, Employer’s portion of the medical, vision and dental coverage premiums (and Executive will be responsible for Executive’s portion) for the COBRA Payment Period; provided that, if at any time Employer determines, in its sole discretion, that the payment of the COBRA premiums would result in a violation of the nondiscrimination rules of Section 105(h)(2) of the Code or any statute or regulation of similar effect (including but not limited to the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the 2010 Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act), then in lieu of providing the COBRA premiums for the remainder of the COBRA Payment Period, Employer will instead pay Executive on the first day of each month of the remainder of the COBRA Payment Period, a fully taxable cash payment equal to the COBRA premiums for that month, subject to applicable tax withholdings, for the remainder of the COBRA Payment Period.

3.3Nature of Payments. All amounts to be paid by Employer to Executive pursuant to Sections 3.2.1(i) — (iv) and 3.2.3(i) — (iii) are considered by the parties to be severance payments and are in lieu of, and not in addition to, any benefits to which Executive may otherwise be entitled under any Employer severance plan, policy or program.

3.4Duties Upon Termination. During the Severance Period, if there is a Severance Period applicable to Executive’s termination of employment from Employer, Executive shall fully cooperate with Employer in all matters relating to the winding up of Executive’s pending work including, but not limited to, any litigation in which Employer is involved, and the orderly transfer of any such pending work to such other employees as may be designated by Employer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such cooperation requirement shall not unreasonably interfere with his then current employment or business activities. With Employer’s prior approval, Executive shall be reimbursed for all expenses reasonably incurred in connection with such cooperation. Following the end of the Severance Period, Executive will be released from any duties and obligations hereunder (except those duties and obligations set forth in Article 4 hereof). In the event of termination of Executive’s employment pursuant to Sections 3.1.1 through 3.1.7 hereof, the obligations of Employer to Executive will be as set forth in Section 3.2 hereof. Upon termination, Executive shall immediately resign from any position on the Board (including his position as a director on the Board), and from his position as President and COO of Employer.

3.5Severance Period. “Severance Period” shall mean a period of twelve (12) months beginning on the effective date of Executive’s termination of employment with Employer.

3.6Release. Notwithstanding any provision of this Employment Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall the timing of Executive’s execution of the Release, directly or indirectly, result in Executive designating the calendar year of payment, and if a payment that is subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and is subject to execution of the Release could be

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made in more than one taxable year based on when the Release is executed or becomes effective, payment shall be made in the later year.

3.7Commencement of Severance Payments. The severance payments and benefits set forth in Sections 3.2.1(i) — (iv) (Termination by Employer for Death, Disability, Without Cause, by Executive for Good Reason) and Sections 3.2.3(i) — (iii) (Termination Upon Non-Renewal by Employer) above will not be paid or provided unless Executive executes and does not revoke the Release and the Release is enforceable and effective as provided in the Release on or before the date that is the sixtieth (60^th) day following the effective date of termination (such 60^th day, the “Severance Pay Commencement Date”). No cash severance payments will be paid pursuant to Sections 3.2.1 or 3.2.3 prior to the Severance Pay Commencement Date. On the Severance Pay Commencement Date, Employer will pay in a lump sum the aggregate amount of the cash severance payments that Employer would have paid Executive through such date had the payments commenced on the effective date of termination through the Severance Pay Commencement Date, with the balance paid thereafter on the applicable schedules described above. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Employment Agreement to the contrary, it is intended that the payment of severance upon termination for Good Reason by Executive in accordance with Section 3.1.7 satisfy the safe harbor set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(n)(2)(ii)), and any severance payment made pursuant to this Employment Agreement shall satisfy the exemptions from the application of Section 409A of the Code provided under Treasury Regulation Sections 1.409A-1(b)(4), and 1.409A-1 (b)(9).

SECTION 4. CONFIDENTIALITY, INVENTION RIGHTS, NON-COMPETITION AND NON-SOLICITATION

4.1Confidentiality, Invention Rights, Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation. The parties hereto have entered into a Confidentiality, Invention Rights, Non-Competition, and Non-Solicitation Agreement, which may be amended by the parties from time to time without regard to this Employment Agreement. The Confidentiality, Invention Rights, Non-Competition, and Non-Solicitation Agreement contains provisions that are intended by the parties to survive and do survive termination of this Employment Agreement.

4.2Remedies. Executive acknowledges and agrees that (a) Employer will be irreparably injured in the event of a breach by Executive of any of his obligations under this Article 4; (b) monetary damages will not be an adequate remedy for any such breach; and (c) in the event of any such breach, the Employer will be entitled to injunctive relief, in addition to any other remedy which it may have, and Executive shall not oppose such injunctive relief based upon the extent of the harm or the adequacy of monetary damages.

SECTION 5. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

5.1Severability. If in any jurisdiction any term or provision hereof is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, (a) the remaining terms and provisions hereof shall be unimpaired, (b) any such invalidity or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction, and (c) the invalid or unenforceable term or provision shall, for purposes of such jurisdiction, be deemed replaced by a term or provision

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that is valid and enforceable and that comes closest to expressing the intention of the invalid or unenforceable term or provision.

5.2Execution in Counterparts. This Employment Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement (and all signatures need not appear on any one counterpart), and this Employment Agreement shall become effective when one or more counterparts has been signed by each of the parties hereto and delivered to each of the other parties hereto.  Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act or other applicable law) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered will be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.

5.3Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given when delivered by hand, or when delivered if mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or private courier service or via facsimile (with written confirmation of receipt) or email (with written confirmation of receipt) as follows:

If to Employer, to:

Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc.

701 Lee Road, Suite 103

Wayne, PA 19087

Attention: Legal Department

E-mail: legal@aclaristx.com

If to Executive, to the current address on file with Employer,

or to such other address(es) as a party hereto shall have designated by like notice to the other parties hereto.

5.4Amendment.  No provision of this Employment Agreement may be modified, amended, waived or discharged in any manner except by a written instrument executed by Employer and Executive.

5.5Entire Agreement. This Employment Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings of the parties hereto, oral or written, with respect to the subject matter hereof, including but not limited to any prior offer letter or written embodiment of the employment relationship between Executive and Employer. No representation, promise or inducement has been made by either party that is not embodied in this Employment Agreement, and neither party shall be bound by or liable for any alleged representation, promise or inducement not so set forth.

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5.6Applicable Law. This Employment Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania applicable to contracts made and to be wholly performed therein without regard to its conflicts or choice of law provisions.

5.7Headings. The headings contained herein are for the sole purpose of convenience of reference, and shall not in any way limit or affect the meaning or interpretation of any of the terms or provisions of this Employment Agreement.

5.8Binding Effect; Successors and Assigns. Executive may not delegate his duties or assign his rights hereunder. This Employment Agreement will inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the parties hereto and their respective heirs, legal representatives, and successors. Employer may assign this Employment Agreement to any entity purchasing all or substantially all of the assets of Employer.

5.9Waiver, etc. The failure of either of the parties hereto to at any time enforce any of the provisions of this Employment Agreement shall not be deemed or construed to be a waiver of any such provision, nor to in any way affect the validity of this Employment Agreement or any provision hereof or the right of either of the parties hereto to thereafter enforce each and every provision of this Employment Agreement. No waiver of any breach of any of the provisions of this Employment Agreement shall be effective unless set forth in a written instrument executed by the party against whom or which enforcement of such waiver is sought, and no waiver of any such breach shall be construed or deemed to be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach.

5.10Continuing Effect. Provisions of this Employment Agreement which by their terms must survive the termination of this Employment Agreement in order to effectuate the intent of the parties will survive any such termination, whether by expiration of the term, termination of Executive’s employment, or otherwise, for such period as may be appropriate under the circumstances.

5.11Representations and Warranties of Executive. Executive hereby represents and warrants to Employer that to the knowledge of Executive, Executive is not bound by any non-competition or other agreement which would prevent his performance hereunder.

5.12Section 409A of the Code. This Employment Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code and its corresponding regulations, or an exemption, and payments may only be made under this Employment Agreement upon an event and in a manner permitted by Section 409A of the Code, to the extent applicable. Payment under this Employment Agreement is intended to be exempt from Code Section 409A under the “short-term deferral” exception set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4), to the maximum extent applicable, and then under the “separation pay” exception set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9), to the maximum extent applicable. All payments to be made upon a termination of employment under this Employment Agreement may only be made upon a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h) (or any successor provision) (a “Separation from Service”). For purposes of Code Section 409A, the right to a series of installment payments under this Employment

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Agreement shall be treated as a right to a series of separate payments. In no event may Executive, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of a payment. If the termination of employment giving rise to the payments described in Section 3.2.1 is not a Separation from Service, then the amounts otherwise payable pursuant to Section 3.2.1 will instead be deferred without interest and paid when Executive experiences a Separation from Service. Notwithstanding anything in this Employment Agreement to the contrary or otherwise, with respect to any expense, reimbursement or in-kind benefit provided pursuant to this Employment Agreement that constitutes a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and its implementing regulations and guidance, (a) the expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits provided to Executive must be incurred during the Employment Term (or applicable survival period), (b) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits provided to Executive during any calendar year will not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits provided to Executive in any other calendar year, (c) the reimbursements for expenses for which Executive is entitled to be reimbursed shall be made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the applicable expense is incurred and (d) the right to payment or reimbursement or in-kind benefits hereunder may not be liquidated or exchanged for any other benefit. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Employment Agreement, if Executive is deemed by Employer at the time of his Separation from Service to be a “specified employee” for purposes of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, and if any of the payments due upon Separation from Service set forth herein and/or under any other agreement with Employer are deemed to be “deferred compensation,” then to the extent delayed commencement of any portion of such payments is required to avoid a prohibited distribution under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code and the related adverse taxation under Section 409A of the Code, such payments will not be provided to Executive prior to the earliest of (i) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of Executive’s Separation from Service with Employer, (ii) the date of Executive’s death or (iii) such earlier date as permitted under Section 409A of the Code without the imposition of adverse taxation. Upon the first business day following the expiration of such applicable Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) period, all payments deferred pursuant to this Section 5.12 will be paid in a lump sum to Executive, and any remaining payments due will be paid as otherwise provided in this Employment Agreement or in the applicable agreement. No interest will be due on any amounts so deferred.

5.13Section 280G. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Employment Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement to the contrary, if any of the payments or benefits provided or to be provided by Employer or its affiliates to Executive or for Executive’s benefit pursuant to the terms of this Employment Agreement or otherwise (the “Covered Payments”) constitute parachute payments (the “Parachute Payments”) within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and, but for this Section 5.13, would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (or any successor provision thereto) or any similar tax imposed by state or local law or any interest or penalties with respect to such taxes (collectively, the “Excise Tax”), then prior to making the Covered Payments, a calculation shall be made comparing (i) the Net Benefit (as defined below) to Executive of the Covered Payments after payment of the Excise Tax to (ii) the Net Benefit to Executive if the Covered Payments are limited to the extent necessary to avoid being subject to the Excise Tax. Only if the amount calculated under clause (i) above is less than the amount under clause (ii) above will the Covered Payments be reduced to the minimum

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extent necessary to ensure that no portion of the Covered Payments is subject to the Excise Tax. “Net Benefit” shall mean the present value of the Covered Payments net of all federal, state, local, foreign income, employment and excise taxes.

(a)Any such reduction shall be made in accordance with Section 409A and the following:

(i) the Covered Payments consisting of cash severance benefits that do not constitute nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A shall be reduced first, in reverse chronological order; and

(ii) all other Covered Payments consisting of cash payments, and Covered Payments consisting of accelerated vesting of equity based awards to which Treas. Reg. §1.280G-1 Q/A-24(c) does not apply, and that in either case do not constitute nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A, shall be reduced second, in reverse chronological order; and

(iii) all Covered Payments consisting of cash payments that constitute nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A shall be reduced third, in reverse chronological order; and

(iv) all Covered Payments consisting of accelerated vesting of equity-based awards to which Treas. Reg. § 1.280G-1 Q/A-24(c) applies shall be the last Covered Payments to be reduced.

(b)Any determination required under this Section 5.13 shall be made in writing in good faith by an independent accounting firm selected by Employer and reasonably acceptable to  Executive (the “Accountants”). Employer and Executive shall provide the Accountants with such information and documents as the Accountants may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section 5.13. For purposes of making the calculations and determinations required by this Section 5.13, the Accountants may rely on reasonable, good-faith assumptions and approximations concerning the application of Section 280G and Section 4999 of the Code. The Accountants’ determinations shall be final and binding on Employer and Executive. Employer shall be responsible for all fees and expenses incurred by the Accountants in connection with the calculations required by this Section 5.13.

(c)It is possible that after the determinations and selections made pursuant to this Section 5.13. Executive will receive Covered Payments that are in the aggregate more than the amount intended or required to be provided after application of this Section 5.13 (“Overpayment”) or less than the amount intended or required to be provided after application of this Section 5.13 (“Underpayment”).

(i) In the event that: (A) the Accountants determine, based upon the assertion of a deficiency by the Internal Revenue Service against either Employer or Executive that the Accountants believe has a high probability of success, that an Overpayment has been made or (B) it is established pursuant to a final determination of a court or an Internal Revenue Service proceeding

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that has been finally and conclusively resolved that an Overpayment has been made, then Executive shall pay any such Overpayment to Employer together with interest at the applicable federal rate (as defined in Section 7872(f)(2)(A) of the Code) from the date of Executive’s receipt of the Overpayment until the date of repayment.

(ii) In the event that: (A) the Accountants, based upon controlling precedent or substantial authority, determine that an Underpayment has occurred or (B) a court of competent jurisdiction determines that an Underpayment has occurred, any such Underpayment will be paid promptly by Employer to or for the benefit of Executive together with interest at the applicable federal rate (as defined in Section 7872(f)(2)(A) of the Code) from the date the amount should have otherwise been paid to Executive until the payment date.

5.14Dispute Resolution. The parties recognize that litigation in federal or state courts or before federal or state administrative agencies of disputes arising out of the Executive’s employment with the Employer or out of this Employment Agreement, or the Executive’s termination of employment or termination of this Employment Agreement, may not be in the best interests of either the Executive or Employer, and may result in unnecessary costs, delays, complexities, and uncertainty. The parties agree that any dispute between the parties arising out of or relating to the negotiation, execution, performance or termination of this Employment Agreement or the Executive’s employment, including, but not limited to, any claim arising out of this Employment Agreement, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1966, as amended, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Executive Retirement Income Security Act, and any similar federal, state or local law, statute, regulation, or any common law doctrine, whether that dispute arises during or after employment, shall be settled by binding arbitration in accordance with the National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes of the American Arbitration Association; provided however, that this dispute resolution provision shall not apply to any separate agreements between the parties that do not themselves specify arbitration as an exclusive remedy. The location for the arbitration shall be the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania metropolitan area. Any award made by such panel shall be final, binding and conclusive on the parties for all purposes, and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The arbitrators’ fees and expenses and all administrative fees and expenses associated with the filing of the arbitration shall be borne by Employer. The parties acknowledge and agree that their obligations to arbitrate under this Section survive the termination of this Employment Agreement and continue after the termination of the employment relationship between Executive and Employer. The parties each further agree that the arbitration provisions of this Employment Agreement shall provide each party with its exclusive remedy, and each party expressly waives any right it might have to seek redress in any other forum, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Employment Agreement. By election arbitration as the means for final settlement of all claims, the parties hereby waive their respective rights to, and agree not to, sue each other in any action in a Federal, State or local court with respect to such claims, but may seek to enforce in

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court an arbitration award rendered pursuant to this Employment Agreement. The parties specifically agree to waive their respective rights to a trial by jury, and further agree that no demand, request or motion will be made for trial by jury.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this Employment Agreement as of the date first above written.

ACLARIS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
/s/ Neal Walker
Name:	Neal Walker
Title	Interim CEO

Agreed to and Accepted this 18 day of November, 2024.

EXECUTIVE

/s/ Hugh Davis

Hugh Davis

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Exhibit A

List of Entities Referenced in Section 1.2.2.

Biosion, Inc.

Anewcro, LLC

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EX-10.4

Exhibit 10.4

ACLARIS THERAPEUTICS, INC.

2024 INDUCEMENT PLAN

ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: NOVEMBER 16, 2024

1.GENERAL.

(a)Eligible Award Recipients. Awards under the Plan may only be granted to Employees who satisfy the standards for inducement grants under Rule 5635(c)(4) of the NASDAQ Listing Rules. A person who previously served as an Employee or Director will not be eligible to receive Awards under the Plan, other than following a bona fide period of non-employment.

(b)Available Awards. The Plan provides for the grant of the following types of Awards: (i) Nonstatutory Stock Options, (ii) Stock Appreciation Rights (iii) Restricted Stock Awards, (iv) Restricted Stock Unit Awards, and (v) Other Stock Awards.

(c)Purpose. The Plan, through the granting of Awards, is intended to help the Company secure and retain the services of eligible award recipients, provide an inducement material for such persons to enter into employment with the Company or an Affiliate within the meaning of Rule 5635(c)(4) of the NASDAQ Listing Rules, provide incentives for such persons to exert maximum efforts for the success of the Company and any Affiliate and provide a means by which the eligible recipients may benefit from increases in value of the Common Stock.

2.ADMINISTRATION.

(a)Administration by Board. The Board will administer the Plan. The Board may delegate administration of the Plan to a Committee or Committees, as provided in Section 2(c). However, notwithstanding the foregoing or anything in the Plan to the contrary, the grant of Awards will be approved by the Company’s independent compensation committee or a majority of the Company’s independent directors (as defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ Listing Rules) in order to comply with the exemption from the stockholder approval requirement for “inducement grants” provided under Rule 5635(c)(4) of the NASDAQ Listing Rules.

(b)Powers of Board. The Board will have the power, subject to, and within the limitations of, the express provisions of the Plan:

(i)To determine (A) who will be granted Awards; (B) when and how each Award will be granted; (C) what type of Award will be granted; (D) the provisions of each Award (which need not be identical), including when a person will be permitted to exercise or otherwise receive cash or Common Stock under the Award; (E) the number of shares of Common Stock subject to, or the cash value of, an Award; and (F) the Fair Market Value applicable to an Award.

(ii)To construe and interpret the Plan and Awards granted under it, and to establish, amend and revoke rules and regulations for administration of the Plan and Awards. The Board, in the exercise of these powers, may correct any defect, omission or inconsistency in the Plan or in any Award Agreement, in a manner and to the extent it will deem necessary or expedient to make the Plan or Award fully effective.

(iii)To settle all controversies regarding the Plan and Awards granted under it.

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(iv)To accelerate, in whole or in part, the time at which an Award may be exercised or vest (or at which cash or shares of Common Stock may be issued).

(v)To suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan or an Award Agreement, suspension or termination of the Plan will not materially impair a Participant’s rights under his or her then-outstanding Award without his or her written consent except as provided in subsection (viii) below.

(vi)To amend the Plan in any respect the Board deems necessary or advisable, including, without limitation, by adopting amendments relating to certain nonqualified deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code and/or to make the Plan or Awards granted under the Plan exempt from or compliant with the requirements for nonqualified deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code, subject to the limitations, if any, of applicable law. If required by applicable law or listing requirements, and except as provided in Section 9(a) relating to Capitalization Adjustments, the Company will seek stockholder approval of any amendment of the Plan. Except as provided in the Plan (including subsection (viii) below) or an Award Agreement, no amendment of the Plan will materially impair a Participant’s rights under an outstanding Award unless (1) the Company requests the consent of the affected Participant, and (2) such Participant consents in writing.

(vii)To submit any amendment to the Plan for stockholder approval, including, but not limited to, amendments to the Plan intended to satisfy the requirements of Rule 16b-3.

(viii)To approve forms of Award Agreements for use under the Plan and to amend the terms of any one or more Awards, including, but not limited to, amendments to provide terms more favorable to the Participant than previously provided in the Award Agreement, subject to any specified limits in the Plan that are not subject to Board discretion; provided however, that a Participant’s rights under any Award will not be impaired by any such amendment unless (A) the Company requests the consent of the affected Participant, and (B) such Participant consents in writing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (1) a Participant’s rights will not be deemed to have been impaired by any such amendment if the Board, in its sole discretion, determines that the amendment, taken as a whole, does not materially impair the Participant’s rights, and (2) subject to the limitations of applicable law, if any, the Board may amend the terms of any one or more Awards without the affected Participant’s consent (A) to clarify the manner of exemption from, or to bring the Award into compliance with, Section 409A of the Code; or (B) to comply with other applicable laws or listing requirements.

(ix)Generally, to exercise such powers and to perform such acts as the Board deems necessary or expedient to promote the best interests of the Company and that are not in conflict with the provisions of the Plan or Awards.

(x)To adopt such procedures and sub-plans as are necessary or appropriate to permit participation in the Plan by Employees who are foreign nationals or employed outside the United States (provided that Board approval will not be necessary for immaterial modifications to the Plan or any Award Agreement that are required for compliance with the laws of the relevant foreign jurisdiction).

(c)Delegation to Committee.

(i)General. The Board may delegate some or all of the administration of the Plan to a Committee or Committees. If administration of the Plan is delegated to a Committee, the Committee will have, in connection with the administration of the Plan, the powers theretofore possessed by the Board that have been delegated to the Committee, including the power to delegate to a subcommittee of the Committee any of the administrative powers the Committee is authorized to exercise (and references

2.

in this Plan to the Board will thereafter be to the Committee or subcommittee, as applicable). Any delegation of administrative powers will be reflected in resolutions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, adopted from time to time by the Board or Committee (as applicable). The Committee may, at any time, abolish the subcommittee and/or revest in the Committee any powers delegated to the subcommittee. The Board may retain the authority to concurrently administer the Plan with the Committee and may, at any time, revest in the Board some or all of the powers previously delegated.

(d)Effect of Board’s Decision. All determinations, interpretations and constructions made by the Board in good faith will not be subject to review by any person and will be final, binding and conclusive on all persons.

(e)Repricing; Cancellation and Re-Grant of Awards. Neither the Board nor any Committee will have the authority to (i) reduce the exercise, purchase or strike price of any outstanding Option or SAR under the Plan, or (ii) cancel any outstanding Option or SAR that has an exercise price or strike price greater than the then-current Fair Market Value of the Common Stock in exchange for cash or other Awards under the Plan, unless the stockholders of the Company have approved such an action within 12 months prior to such an event.

3.SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.

(a)Share Reserve. Subject to Section 9(a) relating to Capitalization Adjustments, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to Awards from and after the Effective Date will not exceed 2,000,000 shares (the “Share Reserve”).

For clarity, the Share Reserve in this Section 3(a) is a limitation on the number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to the Plan. Accordingly, this Section 3(a) does not limit the granting of Awards except as provided in Section 7(a). Shares may be issued in connection with a merger or acquisition as permitted by NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c) or, if applicable, NYSE Listed Company Manual Section 303A.08, AMEX Company Guide Section 711 or other applicable rule, and such issuance will not reduce the number of shares available for issuance under the Plan.

(b)Reversion of Shares to the Share Reserve. If any Award or any portion thereof (i) expires or otherwise terminates without all of the shares covered by such Award having been issued or (ii) is settled in cash (i.e., the Participant receives cash rather than stock), such expiration, termination or settlement will not reduce (or otherwise offset) the number of shares of Common Stock that may be available for issuance under the Plan. If any shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to an Award are forfeited back to or repurchased by the Company because of the failure to meet a contingency or condition required to vest such shares in the Participant, then the shares that are forfeited or repurchased will revert to and again become available for issuance under the Plan. Any shares reacquired by the Company in satisfaction of tax withholding obligations on an Award or as consideration for the exercise or purchase price of an Award will again become available for issuance under the Plan.

(c)Source of Shares. The stock issuable under the Plan will be shares of authorized but unissued or reacquired Common Stock, including shares repurchased by the Company on the open market or otherwise.

4.ELIGIBILITY.

(a)Eligibility for Awards. Awards may only be granted to persons who are Employees described in Section 1(a), where the Award is an inducement material to the individual’s entering into employment with the Company or an Affiliate within the meaning of Rule 5635(c)(4) of the NASDAQ

3.

Listing Rules. For clarity, Awards may not be granted to (1) Consultants or Directors, for service in such capacities, or (2) any individual who was previously an Employee or Director, other than following a bona fide period of non-employment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Awards may not be granted to Employees who are providing Continuous Service only to any “parent” of the Company, as such term is defined in Rule 405, unless (i) the stock underlying such Awards is treated as “service recipient stock” under Section 409A of the Code (for example, because the Awards are granted pursuant to a corporate transaction such as a spin off transaction) or (ii) the Company, in consultation with its legal counsel, has determined that such Awards are otherwise exempt from or alternatively comply with the distribution requirements of Section 409A of the Code.

(b)Approval Requirements. All Awards must be granted either by a majority of the Company’s independent directors or by the Company’s compensation committee comprised of independent directors within the meaning of Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ Listing Rules.

5.PROVISIONS RELATING TO OPTIONS AND STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS.

Each Option or SAR will be in such form and will contain such terms and conditions as the Board deems appropriate. All Options will be Nonstatutory Stock Options. The provisions of separate Options or SARs need not be identical; provided, however, that each Award Agreement will conform to (through incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the applicable Award Agreement or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:

(a)Term. No Option or SAR will be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date of its grant or such shorter period specified in the Award Agreement.

(b)Exercise Price. The exercise or strike price of each Option or SAR will be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Option or SAR on the date the Award is granted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Option or SAR may be granted with an exercise or strike price lower than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Award if such Award is granted pursuant to an assumption of or substitution for another option or stock appreciation right pursuant to a Transaction and in a manner consistent with the provisions of Section 409A of the Code.

(c)Purchase Price for Options. The purchase price of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Option may be paid, to the extent permitted by applicable law and as determined by the Board in its sole discretion, by any combination of the methods of payment set forth below. The Board will have the authority to grant Options that do not permit all of the following methods of payment (or otherwise restrict the ability to use certain methods) and to grant Options that require the consent of the Company to use a particular method of payment. The permitted methods of payment are as follows:

(i)by cash, check, bank draft or money order payable to the Company;

(ii)pursuant to a program developed under Regulation T as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board that, prior to the issuance of the stock subject to the Option, results in either the receipt of cash (or check) by the Company or the receipt of irrevocable instructions to pay the aggregate exercise price to the Company from the sales proceeds;

(iii)by delivery to the Company (either by actual delivery or attestation) of shares of Common Stock;

4.

(iv)by a “net exercise” arrangement pursuant to which the Company will reduce the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise by the largest whole number of shares with a Fair Market Value that does not exceed the aggregate exercise price; provided, however, that the Company will accept a cash or other payment from the Participant to the extent of any remaining balance of the aggregate exercise price not satisfied by such reduction in the number of whole shares to be issued. Shares of Common Stock will no longer be subject to an Option and will not be exercisable thereafter to the extent that (A) shares issuable upon exercise are used to pay the exercise price pursuant to the “net exercise,” (B) shares are delivered to the Participant as a result of such exercise, and (C) shares are withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations; or

(v)in any other form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to the Board and specified in the applicable Award Agreement.

(d)Exercise and Payment of a SAR. To exercise any outstanding SAR, the Participant must provide written notice of exercise to the Company in compliance with the provisions of the Stock Appreciation Right Agreement evidencing such SAR. The appreciation distribution payable on the exercise of a SAR will be not greater than an amount equal to the excess of (A) the aggregate Fair Market Value (on the date of the exercise of the SAR) of a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of Common Stock equivalents in which the Participant is vested under such SAR, and with respect to which the Participant is exercising the SAR on such date, over (B) the aggregate strike price of the number of Common Stock equivalents with respect to which the Participant is exercising the SAR on such date. The appreciation distribution may be paid in Common Stock, in cash, in any combination of the two or in any other form of consideration, as determined by the Board and contained in the Award Agreement evidencing such SAR.

(e)Transferability of Options and SARs. The Board may, in its sole discretion, impose such limitations on the transferability of Options and SARs as the Board will determine. In the absence of such a determination by the Board to the contrary, the following restrictions on the transferability of Options and SARs will apply:

(i)Restrictions on Transfer. An Option or SAR will not be transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution (and pursuant to subsections (ii) and (iii) below), and will be exercisable during the lifetime of the Participant only by the Participant. The Board may permit transfer of the Option or SAR in a manner that is not prohibited by applicable tax and securities laws. Except as explicitly provided in the Plan, neither an Option nor a SAR may be transferred for consideration.

(ii)Domestic Relations Orders. Subject to the approval of the Board or a duly authorized Officer, an Option or SAR may be transferred pursuant to the terms of a domestic relations order, official marital settlement agreement or other divorce or separation instrument as permitted by Treasury Regulation Section 1.421-1(b)(2).

(iii)Beneficiary Designation. Subject to the approval of the Board or a duly authorized Officer, a Participant may, by delivering written notice to the Company, in a form approved by the Company (or the designated broker), designate a third party who, upon the death of the Participant, will thereafter be entitled to exercise the Option or SAR and receive the Common Stock or other consideration resulting from such exercise. In the absence of such a designation, upon the death of the Participant, the executor or administrator of the Participant’s estate will be entitled to exercise the Option or SAR and receive the Common Stock or other consideration resulting from such exercise. However, the Company may prohibit designation of a beneficiary at any time, including due to any conclusion by the Company that such designation would be inconsistent with the provisions of applicable laws.

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(f)Vesting Generally. The total number of shares of Common Stock subject to an Option or SAR may vest and therefore become exercisable in periodic installments that may or may not be equal. The Option or SAR may be subject to such other terms and conditions on the time or times when it may or may not be exercised (which may be based on the satisfaction of Performance Goals or other criteria) as the Board may deem appropriate. The vesting provisions of individual Options or SARs may vary. The provisions of this Section 5(f) are subject to any Option or SAR provisions governing the minimum number of shares of Common Stock as to which an Option or SAR may be exercised.

(g)Termination of Continuous Service. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company or an Affiliate, if a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates (other than for Cause and other than upon the Participant’s death or Disability), the Participant may exercise his or her Option or SAR (to the extent that the Participant was entitled to exercise such Award as of the date of termination of Continuous Service) within the period of time ending on the earlier of (i) the date three (3) months following the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service (or such longer or shorter period specified in the applicable Award Agreement) and (ii) the expiration of the term of the Option or SAR as set forth in the Award Agreement. If, after termination of Continuous Service, the Participant does not exercise his or her Option or SAR (as applicable) within the applicable time frame, the Option or SAR will terminate.

(h)Extension of Termination Date. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company or an Affiliate, if the exercise of an Option or SAR following the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service (other than for Cause and other than upon the Participant’s death or Disability) would be prohibited at any time solely because the issuance of shares of Common Stock would violate the registration requirements under the Securities Act, then the Option or SAR will terminate on the earlier of (i) the expiration of a total period of time (that need not be consecutive) equal to the applicable post termination exercise period after the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service during which the exercise of the Option or SAR would not be in violation of such registration requirements, and (ii) the expiration of the term of the Option or SAR as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. In addition, unless otherwise provided in a Participant’s Award Agreement, if the sale of any Common Stock received on exercise of an Option or SAR following the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service (other than for Cause) would violate the Company’s insider trading policy, then the Option or SAR will terminate on the earlier of (i) the expiration of a period of months (that need not be consecutive) equal to the applicable post-termination exercise period after the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service during which the sale of the Common Stock received upon exercise of the Option or SAR would not be in violation of the Company’s insider trading policy, or (ii) the expiration of the term of the Option or SAR as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.

(i)Disability of Participant. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company or an Affiliate, if a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Participant’s Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option or SAR (to the extent that the Participant was entitled to exercise such Option or SAR as of the date of termination of Continuous Service), but only within such period of time ending on the earlier of (i) the date twelve (12) months following such termination of Continuous Service (or such longer or shorter period specified in the Award Agreement) and (ii) the expiration of the term of the Option or SAR as set forth in the Award Agreement. If, after termination of Continuous Service, the Participant does not exercise his or her Option or SAR within the applicable time frame, the Option or SAR (as applicable) will terminate.

(j)Death of Participant. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company or an Affiliate, if (i) a Participant’s

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Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Participant’s death, or (ii) the Participant dies within the period (if any) specified in the Award Agreement for exercisability after the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service for a reason other than death, then the Option or SAR may be exercised (to the extent the Participant was entitled to exercise such Option or SAR as of the date of death) by the Participant’s estate, by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option or SAR by bequest or inheritance or by a person designated to exercise the Option or SAR upon the Participant’s death, but only within the period ending on the earlier of (i) the date eighteen (18) months following the date of death (or such longer or shorter period specified in the Award Agreement) and (ii) the expiration of the term of such Option or SAR as set forth in the Award Agreement. If, after the Participant’s death, the Option or SAR is not exercised within the applicable time frame, the Option or SAR (as applicable) will terminate.

(k)Termination for Cause. Except as explicitly provided otherwise in a Participant’s Award Agreement or other individual written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant, if a Participant’s Continuous Service is terminated for Cause, the Option or SAR will terminate immediately upon such Participant’s termination of Continuous Service, and the Participant will be prohibited from exercising his or her Option or SAR from and after the time of such termination of Continuous Service.

(l)Non-Exempt Employees. If an Option or SAR is granted to an Employee who is a non-exempt employee for purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, the Option or SAR will not be first exercisable for any shares of Common Stock until at least six (6) months following the date of grant of the Option or SAR (although the Award may vest prior to such date). Consistent with the provisions of the Worker Economic Opportunity Act, (i) if such non-exempt Employee dies or suffers a Disability, (ii) upon a Corporate Transaction in which such Option or SAR is not assumed, continued, or substituted, (iii) upon a Change in Control, or (iv) upon the Participant’s retirement (as such term may be defined in the Participant’s Award Agreement, in another agreement between the Participant and the Company or an Affiliate, or, if no such definition, in accordance with the Company’s then current employment policies and guidelines), the vested portion of any Options and SARs may be exercised earlier than six (6) months following the date of grant. The foregoing provision is intended to operate so that any income derived by a non-exempt employee in connection with the exercise or vesting of an Option or SAR will be exempt from his or her regular rate of pay. To the extent permitted and/or required for compliance with the Worker Economic Opportunity Act to ensure that any income derived by a non-exempt employee in connection with the exercise, vesting or issuance of any shares under any other Award will be exempt from the employee’s regular rate of pay, the provisions of this Section 5(l) will apply to all Awards and are hereby incorporated by reference into such Award Agreements.

6.PROVISIONS OF AWARDS OTHER THAN OPTIONS AND SARS.

(a)Restricted Stock Awards. Each Restricted Stock Award Agreement will be in such form and will contain such terms and conditions as the Board deems appropriate. To the extent consistent with the Company’s bylaws, at the Board’s election, shares of Common Stock may be (i) held in book entry form subject to the Company’s instructions until any restrictions relating to the Restricted Stock Award lapse; or (ii) evidenced by a certificate, which certificate will be held in such form and manner as determined by the Board. The terms and conditions of Restricted Stock Award Agreements may change from time to time, and the terms and conditions of separate Restricted Stock Award Agreements need not be identical. Each Restricted Stock Award Agreement will conform to (through incorporation of the provisions hereof by reference in the agreement or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:

(i)Consideration. A Restricted Stock Award may be awarded in consideration for (A) cash, check, bank draft or money order payable to the Company, (B) past services to the Company or

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an Affiliate, or (C) any other form of legal consideration (including future services) that may be acceptable to the Board, in its sole discretion, and permissible under applicable law.

(ii)Vesting. Shares of Common Stock awarded under the Restricted Stock Award Agreement may be subject to forfeiture to the Company in accordance with a vesting schedule to be determined by the Board.

(iii)Termination of Participant’s Continuous Service. If a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates, the Company may receive through a forfeiture condition or a repurchase right any or all of the shares of Common Stock held by the Participant as of the date of termination of Continuous Service under the terms of the Restricted Stock Award Agreement.

(iv)Transferability. Rights to acquire shares of Common Stock under the Restricted Stock Award Agreement will be transferable by the Participant only upon such terms and conditions as are set forth in the Restricted Stock Award Agreement, as the Board will determine in its sole discretion, so long as Common Stock awarded under the Restricted Stock Award Agreement remains subject to the terms of the Restricted Stock Award Agreement.

(v)Dividends. A Restricted Stock Award Agreement may provide that any dividends paid on Restricted Stock will be subject to the same vesting and forfeiture restrictions as apply to the shares subject to the Restricted Stock Award to which they relate.

(b)Restricted Stock Unit Awards. Each Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement will be in such form and will contain such terms and conditions as the Board deems appropriate. The terms and conditions of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreements may change from time to time, and the terms and conditions of separate Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreements need not be identical. Each Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement will conform to (through incorporation of the provisions hereof by reference in the Agreement or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:

(i)Consideration. At the time of grant of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the Board will determine the consideration, if any, to be paid by the Participant upon delivery of each share of Common Stock subject to the Restricted Stock Unit Award. The consideration to be paid (if any) by the Participant for each share of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Unit Award may be paid in any form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to the Board, in its sole discretion, and permissible under applicable law.

(ii)Vesting. At the time of the grant of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the Board may impose such restrictions on or conditions to the vesting of the Restricted Stock Unit Award as it, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate.

(iii)Payment. A Restricted Stock Unit Award may be settled by the delivery of shares of Common Stock, their cash equivalent, any combination thereof or in any other form of consideration, as determined by the Board and contained in the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement.

(iv)Additional Restrictions. At the time of the grant of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the Board, as it deems appropriate, may impose such restrictions or conditions that delay the delivery of the shares of Common Stock (or their cash equivalent) subject to a Restricted Stock Unit Award to a time after the vesting of such Restricted Stock Unit Award.

(v)Dividend Equivalents. Dividend equivalents may be credited in respect of shares of Common Stock covered by a Restricted Stock Unit Award, as determined by the Board and

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contained in the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement. At the sole discretion of the Board, such dividend equivalents may be converted into additional shares of Common Stock covered by the Restricted Stock Unit Award in such manner as determined by the Board. Any additional shares covered by the Restricted Stock Unit Award credited by reason of such dividend equivalents will be subject to all of the same terms and conditions of the underlying Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement to which they relate.

(vi)Termination of Participant’s Continuous Service. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, such portion of the Restricted Stock Unit Award that has not vested will be forfeited upon the Participant’s termination of Continuous Service.

(c)Other Stock Awards. Other forms of Awards valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, Common Stock, including the appreciation in value thereof (e.g., options or stock rights with an exercise price or strike price less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock at the time of grant) may be granted either alone or in addition to Awards provided for under Section 5 and the preceding provisions of this Section 6. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Board will have sole and complete authority to determine the persons to whom and the time or times at which such Other Awards will be granted, the number of shares of Common Stock (or the cash equivalent thereof) to be granted pursuant to such Other Stock Awards and all other terms and conditions of such Other Stock Awards.

7.COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY.

(a)Availability of Shares. The Company will keep available at all times the number of shares of Common Stock reasonably required to satisfy then-outstanding Awards.

(b)Securities Law Compliance. The Company will seek to obtain from each regulatory commission or agency having jurisdiction over the Plan such authority as may be required to grant Awards and to issue and sell shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Awards; provided, however, that this undertaking will not require the Company to register under the Securities Act the Plan, any Award or any Common Stock issued or issuable pursuant to any such Award. If, after reasonable efforts and at a reasonable cost, the Company is unable to obtain from any such regulatory commission or agency the authority that counsel for the Company deems necessary for the lawful issuance and sale of Common Stock under the Plan, the Company will be relieved from any liability for failure to issue and sell Common Stock upon exercise of such Awards unless and until such authority is obtained. A Participant will not be eligible for the grant of an Award or the subsequent issuance of cash or Common Stock pursuant to the Award if such grant or issuance would be in violation of any applicable securities law.

(c)No Obligation to Notify or Minimize Taxes. The Company will have no duty or obligation to any Participant to advise such holder as to the time or manner of exercising an Award. Furthermore, the Company will have no duty or obligation to warn or otherwise advise such holder of a pending termination or expiration of an Award or a possible period in which the Award may not be exercised. The Company has no duty or obligation to minimize the tax consequences of an Award to the holder of such Award.

8.MISCELLANEOUS.

(a)Use of Proceeds from Sales of Common Stock. Proceeds from the sale of shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to Awards will constitute general funds of the Company.

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(b)Corporate Action Constituting Grant of Awards. Corporate action constituting a grant by the Company of an Award to any Participant will be deemed completed as of the date of such corporate action, unless otherwise determined by the Board, regardless of when the instrument, certificate, or letter evidencing the Award is communicated to, or actually received or accepted by, the Participant. In the event that the corporate records (e.g., Board consents, resolutions or minutes) documenting the corporate action approving the grant contain terms (e.g., exercise price, vesting schedule or number of shares) that are inconsistent with those in the Award Agreement or related grant documents as a result of a clerical error in the papering of the Award Agreement or related grant documents, the corporate records will control and the Participant will have no legally binding right to the incorrect term in the Award Agreement or related grant documents.

(c)Stockholder Rights. No Participant will be deemed to be the holder of, or to have any of the rights of a holder with respect to, any shares of Common Stock subject to an Award unless and until (i) such Participant has satisfied all requirements for exercise of, or the issuance of shares of Common Stock under, the Award pursuant to its terms, and (ii) the issuance of the Common Stock subject to such Award has been entered into the books and records of the Company.

(d)No Employment or Other Service Rights. Nothing in the Plan, any Award Agreement or any other instrument executed thereunder or in connection with any Award granted pursuant thereto will confer upon any Participant any right to continue to serve the Company or an Affiliate in the capacity in effect at the time the Award was granted or will affect the right of the Company or an Affiliate to terminate (i) the employment of an Employee with or without notice and with or without cause, (ii) the service of a Consultant pursuant to the terms of such Consultant’s agreement with the Company or an Affiliate, or (iii) the service of a Director pursuant to the bylaws of the Company or an Affiliate, and any applicable provisions of the corporate law of the state in which the Company or the Affiliate is incorporated, as the case may be.

(e)Change in Time Commitment. In the event a Participant’s regular level of time commitment in the performance of his or her services for the Company and any Affiliates is reduced (for example, and without limitation, if the Participant is an Employee of the Company and the Employee has a change in status from a full-time Employee to a part-time Employee or takes an extended leave of absence) after the date of grant of any Award to the Participant, the Board has the right in its sole discretion to (x) make a corresponding reduction in the number of shares or cash amount subject to any portion of such Award that is scheduled to vest or become payable after the date of such change in time commitment, and (y) in lieu of or in combination with such a reduction, extend the vesting or payment schedule applicable to such Award. In the event of any such reduction, the Participant will have no right with respect to any portion of the Award that is so reduced or extended.

(f)Investment Assurances. The Company may require a Participant, as a condition of exercising or acquiring Common Stock under any Award, (i) to give written assurances satisfactory to the Company as to the Participant’s knowledge and experience in financial and business matters and/or to employ a purchaser representative reasonably satisfactory to the Company who is knowledgeable and experienced in financial and business matters and that he or she is capable of evaluating, alone or together with the purchaser representative, the merits and risks of exercising the Award; and (ii) to give written assurances satisfactory to the Company stating that the Participant is acquiring Common Stock subject to the Award for the Participant’s own account and not with any present intention of selling or otherwise distributing the Common Stock. The foregoing requirements, and any assurances given pursuant to such requirements, will be inoperative if (A) the issuance of the shares upon the exercise or acquisition of Common Stock under the Award has been registered under a then currently effective registration statement under the Securities Act, or (B) as to any particular requirement, a determination is made by counsel for the Company that such requirement need not be met in the circumstances under the then

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applicable securities laws. The Company may, upon advice of counsel to the Company, place legends on stock certificates issued under the Plan as such counsel deems necessary or appropriate in order to comply with applicable securities laws, including, but not limited to, legends restricting the transfer of the Common Stock.

(g)Withholding Obligations. Unless prohibited by the terms of an Award Agreement, the Company may, in its sole discretion, satisfy any federal, state or local tax withholding obligation relating to an Award by any of the following means or by a combination of such means: (i) causing the Participant to tender a cash payment; (ii) withholding shares of Common Stock from the shares of Common Stock issued or otherwise issuable to the Participant in connection with the Award; provided, however, that no shares of Common Stock are withheld with a value exceeding the minimum amount of tax required to be withheld by law (or such lesser amount as may be necessary to avoid classification of the Award as a liability for financial accounting purposes); (iii) withholding cash from an Award settled in cash; (iv) withholding payment from any amounts otherwise payable to the Participant; or (v) by such other method as may be set forth in the Award Agreement.

(h)Electronic Delivery. Any reference herein to a “written” agreement or document will include any agreement or document delivered electronically, filed publicly at www.sec.gov (or any successor website thereto) or posted on the Company’s intranet (or other shared electronic medium controlled by the Company to which the Participant has access).

(i)Deferrals. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Board, in its sole discretion, may determine that the delivery of Common Stock or the payment of cash, upon the exercise, vesting or settlement of all or a portion of any Award may be deferred and may establish programs and procedures for deferral elections to be made by Participants. Deferrals by Participants will be made in accordance with Section 409A of the Code. Consistent with Section 409A of the Code, the Board may provide for distributions while a Participant is still an employee or otherwise providing services to the Company. The Board is authorized to make deferrals of Awards and determine when, and in what annual percentages, Participants may receive payments, including lump sum payments, following the Participant’s termination of Continuous Service, and implement such other terms and conditions consistent with the provisions of the Plan and in accordance with applicable law.

(j)Clawback/Recovery. All Awards granted under the Plan will be subject to recoupment in accordance with any clawback policy that the Company has adopted, including without limitation any policy adopted pursuant to the listing standards of any national securities exchange or association on which the Company’s securities are listed or as is otherwise required by applicable law. In addition, the Board may impose such other clawback, recovery or recoupment provisions in an Award Agreement as the Board determines necessary or appropriate, including but not limited to a reacquisition right in respect of previously acquired shares of Common Stock or other cash or property upon the occurrence of Cause. No recovery of compensation under such a clawback policy will be an event giving rise to a right to voluntaryily terminate employment upon a “resignation for good reason,” or for a “constructive termination” or any similar term under any plan of or agreement with the Company.

(k)Compliance with Section 409A. Unless otherwise expressly provided for in an Award Agreement, the Plan and Award Agreements will be interpreted to the greatest extent possible in a manner that makes the Plan and the Awards granted hereunder exempt from Section 409A of the Code, and, to the extent not so exempt, in compliance with Section 409A of the Code. If the Board determines that any Award granted hereunder is not exempt from and is therefore subject to Section 409A of the Code, the Award Agreement evidencing such Award will incorporate the terms and conditions necessary to avoid the consequences specified in Section 409A(a)(1) of the Code, and to the extent an Award Agreement is silent on terms necessary for compliance, such terms are hereby incorporated by reference

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into the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan (and unless the Award Agreement specifically provides otherwise), if the shares of Common Stock are publicly traded, and if a Participant holding an Award that constitutes “deferred compensation” under Section 409A of the Code is a “specified employee” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code, no distribution or payment of any amount that is due because of a “separation from service” (as defined in Section 409A of the Code without regard to alternative definitions thereunder) will be issued or paid before the date that is six months following the date of such Participant’s “separation from service” or, if earlier, the date of the Participant’s death, unless such distribution or payment can be made in a manner that complies with Section 409A of the Code, and any amounts so deferred will be paid in a lump sum on the day after such six month period elapses, with the balance paid thereafter on the original schedule.

9.ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN COMMON STOCK; OTHER CORPORATE EVENTS.

(a)Capitalization Adjustments. In the event of a Capitalization Adjustment, the Board will appropriately and proportionately adjust: (i) the class(es) and maximum number of securities subject to the Plan pursuant to Section 3(a) and (ii) the class(es) and number of securities and price per share of stock subject to outstanding Awards. The Board will make such adjustments, and its determination will be final, binding and conclusive.

(b)Dissolution. Except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement, in the event of a Dissolution of the Company, all outstanding Awards (other than Awards consisting of vested and outstanding shares of Common Stock not subject to a forfeiture condition or the Company’s right of repurchase) will terminate immediately prior to the completion of such Dissolution, and the shares of Common Stock subject to the Company’s repurchase rights or subject to a forfeiture condition may be repurchased or reacquired by the Company notwithstanding the fact that the holder of such Award is providing Continuous Service; provided, however, that the Board may, in its sole discretion, cause some or all Awards to become fully vested, exercisable and/or no longer subject to repurchase or forfeiture (to the extent such Awards have not previously expired or terminated) before the Dissolution is completed but contingent on its completion.

(c)Transaction. The following provisions will apply to Awards in the event of a Transaction unless otherwise provided in the instrument evidencing the Award or any other written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant or unless otherwise expressly provided by the Board at the time of grant of an Award. In the event of a Transaction, then, notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Board may take one or more of the following actions with respect to Awards, contingent upon the closing or completion of the Transaction:

(i)arrange for the surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or the surviving or acquiring corporation’s parent company) to assume or continue the Award or to substitute a similar award for the Award (including, but not limited to, an award to acquire the same consideration paid to the stockholders of the Company pursuant to the Transaction);

(ii)arrange for the assignment of any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company in respect of Common Stock issued pursuant to the Award to the surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or the surviving or acquiring corporation’s parent company);

(iii)accelerate the vesting, in whole or in part, of the Award (and, if applicable, the time at which the Award may be exercised) to a date prior to the effective time of such Transaction as the Board determines (or, if the Board does not determine such a date, to the date that is five days prior to the effective date of the Transaction), with such Award terminating if not exercised (if applicable) at or prior to the effective time of the Transaction; provided, however, that the Board may require Participants to

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complete and deliver to the Company a notice of exercise before the effective date of a Transaction, which exercise is contingent upon the effectiveness of such Transaction;

(iv)arrange for the lapse, in whole or in part, of any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company with respect to the Award;

(v)cancel or arrange for the cancellation of the Award, to the extent not vested or not exercised prior to the effective time of the Transaction, in exchange for such cash consideration, if any, as the Board, in its sole discretion, may consider appropriate; and

(vi)make a payment, in such form as may be determined by the Board equal to the excess, if any, of (A) the value of the property the Participant would have received upon the exercise of the Award immediately prior to the effective time of the Transaction, over (B) any exercise price payable by such holder in connection with such exercise. For clarity, this payment may be $0 if the value of the property is equal to or less than the exercise price. Payments under this provision may be delayed to the same extent that payment of consideration to the holders of the Company’s Common Stock in connection with the Transaction is delayed as a result of escrows, earn outs, holdbacks or any other contingencies.

The Board need not take the same action or actions with respect to all Awards or portions thereof or with respect to all Participants. The Board may take different actions with respect to the vested and unvested portions of an Award.

(d)Change in Control. An Award may be subject to additional acceleration of vesting and exercisability upon or after a Change in Control as may be provided in the Award Agreement for such Award or as may be provided in any other written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant, but in the absence of such provision, no such acceleration will occur.

10.TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION OF THE PLAN.

(a)The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. No Awards may be granted under the Plan while the Plan is suspended or after it is terminated.

(b)No Impairment of Rights. Suspension or termination of the Plan will not materially impair rights and obligations under any Award granted while the Plan is in effect except with the written consent of the affected Participant or as otherwise permitted in the Plan.

11.EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN.

The Plan will become effective on the Effective Date; provided, however, no Award may be granted prior to the Effective Date.

12.CHOICE OF LAW.

The laws of the State of Delaware will govern all questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Plan, without regard to that state’s conflict of laws rules.

13.DEFINITIONS. As used in the Plan, the following definitions will apply to the capitalized terms indicated below:

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(a)“Affiliate” means, at the time of determination, any “parent” or “subsidiary” of the Company as such terms are defined in Rule 405. The Board will have the authority to determine the time or times at which “parent” or “subsidiary” status is determined within the foregoing definition.

(b)“Award” means any right to receive Common Stock granted under the Plan, including a Nonstatutory Stock Option, a Stock Appreciation Right, a Restricted Stock Award, a Restricted Stock Unit Award, or any Other Stock Award.

(c)“Award Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a Participant evidencing the terms and conditions of an Award.

(d)“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

(e)“Capitalization Adjustment” means any change that is made in, or other events that occur with respect to, the Common Stock subject to the Plan or subject to any Award after the Effective Date without the receipt of consideration by the Company through merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, reincorporation, stock dividend, dividend in property other than cash, large nonrecurring cash dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, liquidating dividend, combination of shares, exchange of shares, change in corporate structure or any similar equity restructuring transaction, as that term is used in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (or any successor thereto). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the conversion of any convertible securities of the Company will not be treated as a Capitalization Adjustment.

(f)“Cause” will have the meaning ascribed to such term in any written agreement between the Participant and the Company or an Affiliate defining such term and, in the absence of such agreement, such term means, with respect to a Participant, the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) such Participant’s commission of any felony or any crime involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude under the laws of the United States or any state thereof; (ii) such Participant’s attempted commission of, or participation in, a fraud or act of dishonesty against the Company; (iii) such Participant’s intentional, material violation of any contract or agreement between the Participant and the Company or of any statutory duty owed to the Company; (iv) such Participant’s unauthorized use or disclosure of the Company’s confidential information or trade secrets; (v) such Participant’s violation of a Company policy; or (vi) such Participant’s gross misconduct. The determination that a termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service is either for Cause or without Cause will be made by the Company, in its sole discretion. Any determination by the Company that the Continuous Service of a Participant was terminated with or without Cause for the purposes of outstanding Awards held by such Participant will have no effect upon any determination of the rights or obligations of the Company or such Participant for any other purpose.

(g)“Change in Control” means the occurrence, in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, of any one or more of the following events:

(i)any Exchange Act Person becomes the Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities other than by virtue of a merger, consolidation or similar transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control will not be deemed to occur (A) on account of the acquisition of securities of the Company directly from the Company, (B) on account of the acquisition of securities of the Company by an investor, any affiliate thereof or any other Exchange Act Person that acquires the Company’s securities in a transaction or series of related transactions the primary purpose of which is to obtain financing for the Company through the issuance of equity securities, (C) on account of the acquisition of securities of the Company by any individual who is, on the IPO Date, either an

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executive officer or a Director (either, an “IPO Investor”) and/or any entity in which an IPO Investor has a direct or indirect interest (whether in the form of voting rights or participation in profits or capital contributions) of more than 50% (collectively, the “IPO Entities”) or on account of the IPO Entities continuing to hold shares that come to represent more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities as a result of the conversion of any class of the Company’s securities into another class of the Company’s securities having a different number of votes per share pursuant to the conversion provisions set forth in the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation; or (D) solely because the level of Ownership held by any Exchange Act Person (the “Subject Person”) exceeds the designated percentage threshold of the outstanding voting securities as a result of a repurchase or other acquisition of voting securities by the Company reducing the number of shares outstanding, provided that if a Change in Control would occur (but for the operation of this sentence) as a result of the acquisition of voting securities by the Company, and after such share acquisition, the Subject Person becomes the Owner of any additional voting securities that, assuming the repurchase or other acquisition had not occurred, increases the percentage of the then outstanding voting securities Owned by the Subject Person over the designated percentage threshold, then a Change in Control will be deemed to occur;

(ii)there is consummated a merger, consolidation or similar transaction involving (directly or indirectly) the Company and, immediately after the consummation of such merger, consolidation or similar transaction, the stockholders of the Company immediately prior thereto do not Own, directly or indirectly, either (A) outstanding voting securities representing more than 50% of the combined outstanding voting power of the surviving Entity in such merger, consolidation or similar transaction or (B) more than 50% of the combined outstanding voting power of the parent of the surviving Entity in such merger, consolidation or similar transaction, in each case in substantially the same proportions as their Ownership of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such transaction; provided, however, that a merger, consolidation or similar transaction will not constitute a Change in Control under this prong of the definition if the outstanding voting securities representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the surviving Entity or its parent are owned by the IPO Entities;

(iii)there is consummated a sale, lease, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, other than a sale, lease, license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries to an Entity, more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are Owned by stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their Ownership of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such sale, lease, license or other disposition; provided, however, that a sale, lease, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries will not constitute a Change in Control under this prong of the definition if the outstanding voting securities representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the acquiring Entity or its parent are owned by the IPO Entities; or

(iv)individuals who, on the date the Plan is adopted by the Board, are members of the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board; provided, however, that if the appointment or election (or nomination for election) of any new Board member was approved or recommended by a majority vote of the members of the Incumbent Board then still in office, such new member will, for purposes of this Plan, be considered as a member of the Incumbent Board.

Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Plan, (A) the term Change in Control will not include a sale of assets, merger or other transaction effected exclusively for the purpose of

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changing the domicile of the Company, and (B) the definition of Change in Control (or any analogous term) in an individual written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant will supersede the foregoing definition with respect to Awards subject to such agreement; provided, however, that if no definition of Change in Control or any analogous term is set forth in such an individual written agreement, the foregoing definition will apply. To the extent required for compliance with Section 409A of the Code, in no event will a Change in Control be deemed to have occurred if such transaction is not also a “change in the ownership or effective control of” the Company or “a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of” the Company as determined under Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) (without regard to any alternative definition thereunder). The Board may, in its sole discretion and without a Participant’s consent, amend the definition of “Change in Control” to conform to the definition of “Change in Control” under Section 409A of the Code, and the regulations thereunder.

(h)“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, including any applicable regulations and guidance thereunder.

(i)“Committee” means a committee of two or more Directors to whom authority has been delegated by the Board in accordance with Section 2(c).

(j)“Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.

(k)“Company” means Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

(l)“Consultant” means any person, including an advisor, who is (i) engaged by the Company or an Affiliate to render consulting or advisory services and is compensated for such services, or (ii) serving as a member of the board of directors of an Affiliate and is compensated for such services. However, service solely as a Director, or payment of a fee for such service, will not cause a Director to be considered a “Consultant” for purposes of the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a person is treated as a Consultant under this Plan only if a Form S-8 Registration Statement under the Securities Act is available to register either the offer or the sale of the Company’s securities to such person. Consultants are not eligible to receive Awards under the Plan with respect to their service in such capacity.

(m)“Continuous Service” means that the Participant’s service with the Company or an Affiliate, whether as an Employee, Director or Consultant, is not interrupted or terminated. A change in the capacity in which the Participant renders service to the Company or an Affiliate as an Employee, Director or Consultant or a change in the Entity for which the Participant renders such service, provided that there is no interruption or termination of the Participant’s service with the Company or an Affiliate, will not terminate a Participant’s Continuous Service; provided, however, that if the Entity for which a Participant is rendering services ceases to qualify as an Affiliate, as determined by the Board, in its sole discretion, such Participant’s Continuous Service will be considered to have terminated on the date such Entity ceases to qualify as an Affiliate. For example, a change in status from an Employee of the Company to a Consultant of an Affiliate or to a Director will not constitute an interruption of Continuous Service. To the extent permitted by law, the Board or the chief executive officer of the Company, in that party’s sole discretion, may determine whether Continuous Service will be considered interrupted in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Board or chief executive officer, including sick leave, military leave or any other personal leave, or (ii) transfers between the Company, an Affiliate, or their successors. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a leave of absence will be treated as Continuous Service for purposes of vesting in an Award only to such extent as may be provided in the Company’s leave of absence policy, in the written terms of any leave of absence agreement or policy applicable to the Participant, or as otherwise required by law. In addition, to the extent required for exemption from or compliance with Section 409A of the Code, the determination of whether there has been a termination of Continuous Service will be made, and such term will be construed, in a manner that is consistent with the

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definition of “separation from service” as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h) (without regard to any alternative definition thereunder).

(n)“Corporate Transaction” means the consummation, in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, of any one or more of the following events:

(i)a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all, as determined by the Board, in its sole discretion, of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries;

(ii)a sale or other disposition of at least 90% of the outstanding securities of the Company;

(iii)a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which the Company is not the surviving corporation; or

(iv)a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which the Company is the surviving corporation but the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately preceding the merger, consolidation or similar transaction are converted or exchanged by virtue of the merger, consolidation or similar transaction into other property, whether in the form of securities, cash or otherwise.

(o)“Director” means a member of the Board. Directors are not eligible to receive Awards under the Plan with respect to their service in such capacity.

(p)“Disability” means, with respect to a Participant, the inability of such Participant to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or that has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, as provided in Sections 22(e)(3) and 409A(a)(2)(c)(i) of the Code, and will be determined by the Board on the basis of such medical evidence as the Board deems warranted under the circumstances.

(q)“Dissolution” means when the Company, after having executed a certificate of dissolution with the State of Delaware, has completely wound up its affairs. Conversion of the Company into a Limited Liability Company will not be considered a “Dissolution” for purposes of the Plan.

(r)“Effective Date” means the effective date of this Plan, which is the date approved by the Board upon adoption of the Plan by the Board.

(s)“Employee” means any person employed by the Company or an Affiliate. However, service solely as a Director, or payment of a fee for such services, will not cause a Director to be considered an “Employee” for purposes of the Plan.

(t)“Entity” means a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity.

(u)“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

(v)“Exchange Act Person” means any natural person, Entity or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act), except that “Exchange Act Person” will not include (i) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, (ii) any employee benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company or any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an

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employee benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, (iii) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to a registered public offering of such securities, (iv) an Entity Owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their Ownership of stock of the Company; or (v) any natural person, Entity or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act) that, as of the Effective Date, is the Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities.

(w)“Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of the Common Stock determined as follows:

(i)If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or traded on any established market, the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock will be, unless otherwise determined by the Board, the closing sales price for such stock as quoted on such exchange or market (or the exchange or market with the greatest volume of trading in the Common Stock) on the date of determination, as reported in a source the Board deems reliable.

(ii)Unless otherwise provided by the Board, if there is no closing sales price for the Common Stock on the date of determination, then the Fair Market Value will be the closing selling price on the last preceding date for which such quotation exists.

(iii)In the absence of such markets for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value will be determined by the Board in good faith and in a manner that complies with Sections 409A and 422 of the Code.

(x)“IPO Date” means the date of the underwriting agreement between the Company and the underwriter(s) managing the initial public offering of the Common Stock, pursuant to which the Common Stock was priced for the initial public offering.

(y)“Non-Employee Director” means a Director who either (i) is not a current employee or officer of the Company or an Affiliate, does not receive compensation, either directly or indirectly, from the Company or an Affiliate for services rendered as a consultant or in any capacity other than as a Director (except for an amount as to which disclosure would not be required under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act (“Regulation S-K”)), does not possess an interest in any other transaction for which disclosure would be required under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K, and is not engaged in a business relationship for which disclosure would be required pursuant to Item 404(b) of Regulation S-K; or (ii) is otherwise considered a “non-employee director” for purposes of Rule 16b-3.

(z)“Nonstatutory Stock Option” means any option granted pursuant to Section 5 of the Plan that does not qualify as an ”incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

(aa)“Officer” means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

(bb)“Option” means a Nonstatutory Stock Option to purchase shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to the Plan.

(cc)“Option Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and an Optionholder evidencing the terms and conditions of an Option grant. Each Option Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

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(dd)“Optionholder” means a person to whom an Option is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Option.

(ee)“Other Stock Award” means an award based in whole or in part by reference to the Common Stock which is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 6(c).

(ff)“Other Stock Award Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a holder of an Other Stock Award evidencing the terms and conditions of an Other Stock Award grant. Each Other Stock Award Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

(gg)“Own,” “Owned,” “Owner,” “Ownership” A person or Entity will be deemed to “Own,” to have “Owned,” to be the “Owner” of, or to have acquired “Ownership” of securities if such person or Entity, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares voting power, which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting, with respect to such securities.

(hh)“Participant” means a person to whom an Award is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Award.

(ii)“Plan” means this Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. 2024 Inducement Plan.

(jj)“Restricted Stock Award” means an award of shares of Common Stock which is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 6(a).

(kk)“Restricted Stock Award Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a holder of a Restricted Stock Award evidencing the terms and conditions of a Restricted Stock Award grant. Each Restricted Stock Award Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

(ll)“Restricted Stock Unit Award” means a right to receive shares of Common Stock which is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 6(b).

(mm)“Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a holder of a Restricted Stock Unit Award evidencing the terms and conditions of a Restricted Stock Unit Award grant. Each Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

(nn)“Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect from time to time.

(oo)“Rule 405” means Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act.

(pp)“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(qq)“Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means a right to receive the appreciation on Common Stock that is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 5.

(rr)“Stock Appreciation Right Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a holder of a Stock Appreciation Right evidencing the terms and conditions of a Stock Appreciation Right grant. Each Stock Appreciation Right Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

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(ss)“Subsidiary” means, with respect to the Company, (i) any corporation of which more than 50% of the outstanding capital stock having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether, at the time, stock of any other class or classes of such corporation will have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency) is at the time, directly or indirectly, Owned by the Company, and (ii) any partnership, limited liability company or other entity in which the Company has a direct or indirect interest (whether in the form of voting or participation in profits or capital contribution) of more than 50%.

(tt)“Transaction” means a Corporate Transaction or a Change in Control.

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EX-10.5

Exhibit 10.5

ACLARIS THERAPEUTICS, INC.

2024 INDUCEMENT PLAN

STOCK OPTION GRANT NOTICE

Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”), pursuant to its 2024 Inducement Plan (the “Plan”), hereby grants to Optionholder an option to purchase the number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock set forth below.  This option is subject to all of the terms and conditions as set forth in this notice, in the Option Agreement, the Plan and the Notice of Exercise, all of which are attached hereto and incorporated herein in their entirety.  Capitalized terms not explicitly defined herein but defined in the Plan or the Option Agreement will have the same definitions as in the Plan or the Option Agreement. If there is any conflict between the terms in this notice and the Plan, the terms of the Plan will control.

Optionholder:

Date of Grant:

Vesting Commencement Date:

Number of Shares Subject to Option:

Exercise Price (Per Share):

Total Exercise Price:

Expiration Date:

Type of Grant:	Nonstatutory Stock Option
Exercise Schedule:	Same as Vesting Schedule
Vesting Schedule:	[                                           ]
Payment:	By one or a combination of the following items (described in the Option Agreement):
	☐	By cash, check, bank draft or money order payable to the Company
	☐	Pursuant to a Regulation T Program if the shares are publicly traded
	☐	By delivery of already-owned shares if the shares are publicly traded
	☐	Subject to the Company’s consent at the time of exercise, by a “net exercise” arrangement

Additional Terms/Acknowledgements: Optionholder acknowledges receipt of, and understands and agrees to, this Stock Option Grant Notice, the Option Agreement and the Plan.  Optionholder acknowledges and agrees that this Stock Option Grant Notice and the Option Agreement may not be modified, amended or revised except as provided in the Plan.  Optionholder further acknowledges that as of the Date of Grant, this Stock Option Grant Notice, the Option Agreement, and the Plan set forth the entire understanding between Optionholder and the Company regarding this option award and supersede all prior oral and written agreements, promises and/or representations on that subject with the exception of (i) options previously granted and delivered to Optionholder, (ii) any compensation recovery policy that is adopted by the Company or is otherwise required by applicable law and (iii) any written

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employment or severance arrangement that would provide for vesting acceleration of this option upon the terms and conditions set forth therein.

By accepting this option, Optionholder consents to receive such documents by electronic delivery and to participate in the Plan through an online or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or another third party designated by the Company.

ACLARIS THERAPEUTICS, INC.		OPTIONHOLDER:
By:
	Signature	Signature
Title:		Date:
Date:

ATTACHMENTS:  Option Agreement, 2024 Inducement Plan and Notice of Exercise

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ATTACHMENT I

OPTION AGREEMENT

ACLARIS THERAPEUTICS, INC.

2024 INDUCEMENT PLAN

OPTION AGREEMENT

(NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION)

Pursuant to your Stock Option Grant Notice (“Grant Notice”) and this Option Agreement, Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”) has granted you an option under its 2024 Inducement Plan (the “Plan”) to purchase the number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock indicated in your Grant Notice at the exercise price indicated in your Grant Notice.  The option is granted to you effective as of the date of grant set forth in the Grant Notice (the “Date of Grant”).  The option is granted in compliance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) as a material inducement to you entering into employment with the Company.  If there is any conflict between the terms in this Option Agreement and the Plan, the terms of the Plan will control. Capitalized terms not explicitly defined in this Option Agreement or in the Grant Notice but defined in the Plan will have the same definitions as in the Plan.

The details of your option, in addition to those set forth in the Grant Notice and the Plan, are as follows:

1.VESTING.  Subject to the provisions contained herein, your option will vest as provided in your Grant Notice.  Vesting will cease upon the termination of your Continuous Service.

2.NUMBER OF SHARES AND EXERCISE PRICE.  The number of shares of Common Stock subject to your option and your exercise price per share in your Grant Notice will be adjusted for Capitalization Adjustments.

3.EXERCISE RESTRICTION FOR NON-EXEMPT EMPLOYEES.  If you are an Employee eligible for overtime compensation under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended (that is, a “Non-Exempt Employee”), and except as otherwise provided in the Plan, you may not exercise your option until you have completed at least six (6) months of Continuous Service measured from the Date of Grant, even if you have already been an employee for more than six (6) months. Consistent with the provisions of the Worker Economic Opportunity Act, you may exercise your option as to any vested portion prior to such six (6) month anniversary in the case of (i) your death or disability, (ii) a Corporate Transaction in which your option is not assumed, continued or substituted, (iii) a Change in Control or (iv) your termination of Continuous Service on your “retirement” (as defined in the Company’s benefit plans).

4.METHOD OF PAYMENT.  You must pay the full amount of the exercise price for the shares you wish to exercise.You may pay the exercise price in cash or by check, bank draft or money order payable to the Company or in any other manner permitted by your Grant Notice, which may include one or more of the following:

(a)Pursuant to a program developed under Regulation T as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board that, prior to the issuance of Common Stock, results in either the receipt of cash (or check) by the Company or the receipt of irrevocable instructions to pay the aggregate exercise price to the Company from the sales proceeds.  This manner of payment is also known as a “broker-assisted exercise”, “same day sale”, or “sell to cover”.

(b)By delivery to the Company (either by actual delivery or attestation) of already-owned shares of Common Stock that are owned free and clear of any liens, claims, encumbrances or

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security interests, and that are valued at Fair Market Value on the date of exercise.  “Delivery” for these purposes, in the sole discretion of the Company at the time you exercise your option, will include delivery to the Company of your attestation of ownership of such shares of Common Stock in a form approved by the Company.  You may not exercise your option by delivery to the Company of Common Stock if doing so would violate the provisions of any law, regulation or agreement restricting the redemption of the Company’s stock.

(c)Subject to the consent of the Company at the time of exercise, by a “net exercise” arrangement pursuant to which the Company will reduce the number of shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise of your option by the largest whole number of shares with a Fair Market Value that does not exceed the aggregate exercise price.  You must pay any remaining balance of the aggregate exercise price not satisfied by the “net exercise” in cash or other permitted form of payment.  Shares of Common Stock will no longer be outstanding under your option and will not be exercisable thereafter if those shares (i) are used to pay the exercise price pursuant to the “net exercise,” (ii) are delivered to you as a result of such exercise, and (iii) are withheld to satisfy your tax withholding obligations.

5.WHOLE SHARES.  You may exercise your option only for whole shares of Common Stock.

6.SECURITIES LAW COMPLIANCE.  In no event may you exercise your option unless the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise are then registered under the Securities Act or, if not registered, the Company has determined that your exercise and the issuance of the shares would be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.  The exercise of your option also must comply with all other applicable laws and regulations governing your option, and you may not exercise your option if the Company determines that such exercise would not be in material compliance with such laws and regulations (including any restrictions on exercise required for compliance with Treas. Reg. 1.401(k)-1(d)(3), if applicable).

7.TERM.  You may not exercise your option before the Date of Grant or after the expiration of the option’s term.  The term of your option expires, subject to the provisions of Section 5(h) of the Plan, upon the earliest of the following:

(a)immediately upon the date on which the event giving rise to your termination of Continuous Service for Cause occurs (or, if required by law, the date of termination of Continuous Service for Cause);

(b)three (3) months after the termination of your Continuous Service for any reason other than Cause, your Disability or your death (except as otherwise provided in Section 7(d) below); provided, however, that if during any part of such three (3) month period your option is not exercisable solely because of the condition set forth in the section above relating to “Securities Law Compliance,” your option will not expire until the earlier of the Expiration Date or until it has been exercisable for an aggregate period of three (3) months after the termination of your Continuous Service; provided further, if during any part of such three (3) month period, the sale of any Common Stock received upon exercise of your option would violate the Company’s insider trading policy, then your option will not expire until the earlier of the Expiration Date or until it has been exercisable for an aggregate period of three (3) months after the termination of your Continuous Service during which the sale of the Common Stock received upon exercise of your option would not be in violation of the Company’s insider trading policy.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (i) you are a Non-Exempt Employee, (ii) your Continuous Service terminates within six (6) months after the Date of Grant, and (iii) you have vested in a portion of your option at the time of your termination of Continuous Service, your option will not expire until the earlier

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of (x) the later of (A) the date that is seven (7) months after the Date of Grant, and (B) the date that is three (3) months after the termination of your Continuous Service, and (y) the Expiration Date;

(c)twelve (12) months after the termination of your Continuous Service due to your Disability (except as otherwise provided in Section 7(d)) below;

(d)eighteen (18) months after your death if you die either during your Continuous Service or within three (3) months after your Continuous Service terminates for any reason other than Cause;

(e)in certain circumstances upon the effective date of a Transaction as set forth in the Plan;

(f)the Expiration Date indicated in your Grant Notice; or

(g)the day before the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Date of Grant.

8.EXERCISE.

(a)You may exercise the vested portion of your option during its term by (i) delivering a Notice of Exercise (in a form designated by the Company) or completing such other documents and/or procedures designated by the Company for exercise and (ii) paying the exercise price and any applicable withholding taxes to the Company’s Secretary, stock plan administrator, or such other person as the Company may designate, together with such additional documents as the Company may then require.

(b)By exercising your option you agree that, as a condition to any exercise of your option, the Company may require you to enter into an arrangement providing for the payment by you to the Company of any tax withholding obligation of the Company arising by reason of (i) the exercise of your option, (ii) the lapse of any substantial risk of forfeiture to which the shares of Common Stock are subject at the time of exercise, or (iii) the disposition of shares of Common Stock acquired upon such exercise.

9.TRANSFERABILITY.  Except as otherwise provided in this Section 9, your option is not transferable, except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and is exercisable during your life only by you.

(a)Certain Trusts.  Upon receiving written permission from the Board or its duly authorized designee, you may transfer your option to a trust if you are considered to be the sole beneficial owner (determined under Section 671 of the Code and applicable state law) while the option is held in the trust.  You and the trustee must enter into transfer and other agreements required by the Company.

(b)Domestic Relations Orders.  Upon receiving written permission from the Board or its duly authorized designee, and provided that you and the designated transferee enter into transfer and other agreements required by the Company, you may transfer your option pursuant to the terms of a domestic relations order, official marital settlement agreement or other divorce or separation instrument as permitted by Treasury Regulation 1.421-1(b)(2) that contains the information required by the Company to effectuate the transfer.  You are encouraged to discuss the proposed terms of any division of this option with the Company prior to finalizing the domestic relations order or marital settlement agreement to help

3.

ensure the required information is contained within the domestic relations order or marital settlement agreement.

(c)Beneficiary Designation.  Upon receiving written permission from the Board or its duly authorized designee, you may, by delivering written notice to the Company, in a form approved by the Company and any broker designated by the Company to handle option exercises, designate a third party who, on your death, will thereafter be entitled to exercise this option and receive the Common Stock or other consideration resulting from such exercise.  In the absence of such a designation, your executor or administrator of your estate will be entitled to exercise this option and receive, on behalf of your estate, the Common Stock or other consideration resulting from such exercise.

10.OPTION NOT A SERVICE CONTRACT.  Your option is not an employment or service contract, and nothing in your option will be deemed to create in any way whatsoever any obligation on your part to continue in the employ of the Company or an Affiliate, or of the Company or an Affiliate to continue your employment.  In addition, nothing in your option will obligate the Company or an Affiliate, their respective stockholders, boards of directors, officers or employees to continue any relationship that you might have as a Director or Consultant for the Company or an Affiliate.

11.WITHHOLDING OBLIGATIONS.

(a)At the time you exercise your option, in whole or in part, and at any time thereafter as requested by the Company, you hereby authorize withholding from payroll and any other amounts payable to you, and otherwise agree to make adequate provision for (including by means of a “same day sale” pursuant to a program developed under Regulation T as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board to the extent permitted by the Company), any sums required to satisfy the federal, state, local and foreign tax withholding obligations of the Company or an Affiliate, if any, which arise in connection with the exercise of your option.

(b)Upon your request and subject to approval by the Company, and compliance with any applicable legal conditions or restrictions, the Company may withhold from fully vested shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable to you upon the exercise of your option a number of whole shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value, determined by the Company as of the date of exercise, not in excess of the minimum amount of tax required to be withheld by law (or such lower amount as may be necessary to avoid classification of your option as a liability for financial accounting purposes).  If the date of determination of any tax withholding obligation is deferred to a date later than the date of exercise of your option, share withholding pursuant to the preceding sentence shall not be permitted unless you make a proper and timely election under Section 83(b) of the Code, covering the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock acquired upon such exercise with respect to which such determination is otherwise deferred, to accelerate the determination of such tax withholding obligation to the date of exercise of your option.  Notwithstanding the filing of such election, shares of Common Stock shall be withheld solely from fully vested shares of Common Stock determined as of the date of exercise of your option that are otherwise issuable to you upon such exercise.  Any adverse consequences to you arising in connection with such share withholding procedure shall be your sole responsibility.

(c)You may not exercise your option unless the tax withholding obligations of the Company and/or any Affiliate are satisfied.  Accordingly, you may not be able to exercise your option when desired even though your option is vested, and the Company will have no obligation to issue a certificate for such shares of Common Stock or release such shares of Common Stock from any escrow provided for herein, if applicable, unless such obligations are satisfied.

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12.TAX CONSEQUENCES. You hereby agree that the Company does not have a duty to design or administer the Plan or its other compensation programs in a manner that minimizes your tax liabilities. You will not make any claim against the Company, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees or Affiliates related to tax liabilities arising from your option or your other compensation. In particular, you acknowledge that this option is exempt from Section 409A of the Code only if the exercise price per share specified in the Grant Notice is at least equal to the “fair market value” per share of the Common Stock on the Date of Grant and there is no other impermissible deferral of compensation associated with the option.

13.NOTICES.  Any notices provided for in your option or the Plan will be given in writing (including electronically) and will be deemed effectively given upon receipt or, in the case of notices delivered by mail by the Company to you, five (5) days after deposit in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to you at the last address you provided to the Company.  The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to participation in the Plan and this option by electronic means or to request your consent to participate in the Plan by electronic means.  By accepting this option, you consent to receive such documents by electronic delivery and to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or another third party designated by the Company.

14.GOVERNING PLAN DOCUMENT.  Your option is subject to all the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of which are hereby made a part of your option, and is further subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations, which may from time to time be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan.  If there is any conflict between the provisions of your option and those of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan will control.  In addition, your option (and any compensation paid or shares issued under your option) is subject to recoupment in accordance with any clawback policy adopted by the Company and any compensation recovery policy otherwise required by applicable law.

15.OTHER DOCUMENTS.  You hereby acknowledge receipt of and the right to receive a document providing the information required by Rule 428(b)(1) promulgated under the Securities Act, which includes the Plan prospectus.  In addition, you acknowledge receipt of the Company’s policy permitting certain individuals to sell shares only during certain “window” periods and the Company’s insider trading policy, in effect from time to time.

16.EFFECT ON OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.  The value of this option will not be included as compensation, earnings, salaries, or other similar terms used when calculating your benefits under any employee benefit plan sponsored by the Company or any Affiliate, except as such plan otherwise expressly provides. The Company expressly reserves its rights to amend, modify, or terminate any of the Company’s or any Affiliate’s employee benefit plans.

17.VOTING RIGHTS.  You will not have voting or any other rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to the shares to be issued pursuant to this option until such shares are issued to you.  Upon such issuance, you will obtain full voting and other rights as a stockholder of the Company.  Nothing contained in this option, and no action taken pursuant to its provisions, will create or be construed to create a trust of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between you and the Company or any other person.

18.SEVERABILITY.  If all or any part of this Option Agreement or the Plan is declared by any court or governmental authority to be unlawful or invalid, such unlawfulness or invalidity will not invalidate any portion of this Option Agreement or the Plan not declared to be unlawful or invalid.  Any Section of this Option Agreement (or part of such a Section) so declared to be unlawful or invalid shall, if

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possible, be construed in a manner which will give effect to the terms of such Section or part of a Section to the fullest extent possible while remaining lawful and valid.

19.MISCELLANEOUS.

(a)The rights and obligations of the Company under your option will be transferable to any one or more persons or entities, and all covenants and agreements hereunder will inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by the Company’s successors and assigns.

(b)You agree upon request to execute any further documents or instruments necessary or desirable in the sole determination of the Company to carry out the purposes or intent of your option.

(c)You acknowledge and agree that you have reviewed your option in its entirety, have had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing and accepting your option, and fully understand all provisions of your option.

(d)This Option Agreement will be subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental agencies or national securities exchanges as may be required.

(e)All obligations of the Company under the Plan and this Option Agreement will be binding on any successor to the Company, whether the existence of such successor is the result of a direct or indirect purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise, of all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company.

*     *     *

This Option Agreement will be deemed to be signed by you upon the signing by you of the Grant Notice to which it is attached.

6.

ATTACHMENT II

2024 INDUCEMENT PLAN

ATTACHMENT III

NOTICE OF EXERCISE

NOTICE OF EXERCISE

Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc.

Attention: Stock Plan Administrator

701 Lee Road, Suite 103

Wayne, PA 19087

Date of Exercise:                                 

This constitutes notice to Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”) under my stock option that I elect to purchase the below number of shares of Common Stock of the Company (the “Shares”) for the price set forth below.

Type of option (check one):	Nonstatutory
Stock option dated:
Number of Shares asto which option isexercised:
Certificates to beissued in name of:
Total exercise price:	$
Cash payment deliveredherewith:	$
Value of              Shares delivered herewith:	$
Regulation T Program (cashless exercise):	$

By this exercise, I agree (i) to provide such additional documents as you may require pursuant to the terms of the Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. 2024 Inducement Plan (as it may be amended from time to time), and (ii) to provide for the payment by me to you (in the manner designated by you) of the Company’s withholding obligation, if any, relating to the exercise of this option.

Very truly yours,

Signature

Print Name

EX-10.6

Exhibit 10.6

ACLARIS THERAPEUTICS, INC.

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT GRANT NOTICE

(2024 INDUCEMENT PLAN)

Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”), pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Company’s 2024 Inducement Plan (the “Plan”), hereby awards to Participant a Restricted Stock Unit Award for the number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock (“Restricted Stock Units”) set forth below (the “Award”). The Award is subject to all of the terms and conditions as set forth in this notice of grant (this “Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice”) and in the Plan and the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (the “Award Agreement”), both of which are attached hereto and incorporated herein in their entirety. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan or the Award Agreement. In the event of any conflict between the terms in the Award and the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall control.

Participant:

Date of Grant:

Vesting Commencement Date:

Number of Restricted Stock Units/Shares:

Vesting Schedule: [                                           ]

Issuance Schedule: Subject to any change on a Capitalization Adjustment, one share of Common Stock will be issued for each Restricted Stock Unit that vests at the time set forth in Section 6 of the Award Agreement.

Additional Terms/Acknowledgements: Participant acknowledges receipt of, and understands and agrees to, this Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice, the Award Agreement and the Plan. Participant further acknowledges that as of the Date of Grant, this Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice, the Award Agreement and the Plan set forth the entire understanding between Participant and the Company regarding the acquisition of the Common Stock pursuant to the Award specified above and supersede all prior oral and written agreements on the terms of this Award with the exception, if applicable, of (i) any compensation recovery policy that is adopted by the Company or is otherwise required by applicable law, and (ii) any written employment or severance arrangement that would provide for vesting acceleration of this Award upon the terms and conditions set forth therein.

By accepting this Award, Participant acknowledges having received and read this Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice, the Award Agreement and the Plan and agrees to all of the terms and conditions set forth in these documents. Participant consents to receive Plan documents by electronic delivery and to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or another third party designated by the Company.

ACLARIS THERAPEUTICS, INC.		PARTICIPANT
By:
	Signature	Signature
Title:		Date:
Date:

ATTACHMENTS:Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement and 2024 Inducement Plan

ATTACHMENT I

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT

ACLARIS THERAPEUTICS, INC.

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT

(2024 INDUCEMENT PLAN)

Pursuant to the Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice (the “Grant Notice”) and this Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (the “Agreement”), Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”) has awarded you (“Participant”) a Restricted Stock Unit Award (the “Award”) pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Company’s 2024 Inducement Plan (the “Plan”) for the number of Restricted Stock Units/shares indicated in the Grant Notice. The Award is granted in compliance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) as a material inducement to you entering into employment with the Company. Capitalized terms not explicitly defined in this Agreement or the Grant Notice shall have the same meanings given to them in the Plan. The terms of your Award, in addition to those set forth in the Grant Notice, are as follows.

1.GRANT OF THE AWARD. This Award represents the right to be issued on a future date one (1) share of Common Stock for each Restricted Stock Unit that vests on the applicable vesting date(s) (subject to any adjustment under Section 3 below) as indicated in the Grant Notice. As of the Date of Grant, the Company will credit to a bookkeeping account maintained by the Company for your benefit (the “Account”) the number of Restricted Stock Units/shares of Common Stock subject to the Award. This Award was granted in consideration of your services to the Company.

2.VESTING. Subject to the limitations contained herein, your Award will vest, if at all, in accordance with the vesting schedule provided in the Grant Notice, provided that vesting will cease upon the termination of your Continuous Service. Upon such termination of your Continuous Service, the Restricted Stock Units/shares of Common Stock credited to the Account that were not vested on the date of such termination will be forfeited at no cost to the Company and you will have no further right, title or interest in or to such underlying shares of Common Stock.

3.NUMBER OF SHARES. The number of Restricted Stock Units/shares subject to your Award may be adjusted from time to time for Capitalization Adjustments, as provided in the Plan. Any additional Restricted Stock Units, shares, cash or other property that becomes subject to the Award pursuant to this Section 3, if any, shall be subject, in a manner determined by the Board, to the same forfeiture restrictions, restrictions on transferability, and time and manner of delivery as applicable to the other Restricted Stock Units and shares covered by your Award. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 3, no fractional shares or rights for fractional shares of Common Stock shall be created pursuant to this Section 3. Any fraction of a share will be rounded down to the nearest whole share.

4.SECURITIES LAW COMPLIANCE. You may not be issued any Common Stock under your Award unless the shares of Common Stock underlying the Restricted Stock Units are either (i) then registered under the Securities Act, or (ii) the Company has determined that such issuance would be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Your Award must also comply with other applicable laws and regulations governing the Award, and you shall not receive such Common Stock if the Company determines that such receipt would not be in material compliance with such laws and regulations.

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5.TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS. Prior to the time that shares of Common Stock have been delivered to you, you may not transfer, pledge, sell or otherwise dispose of this Award or the shares issuable in respect of your Award, except as expressly provided in this Section 5. For example, you may not use shares that may be issued in respect of your Restricted Stock Units as security for a loan. The restrictions on transfer set forth herein will lapse upon delivery to you of shares in respect of your vested Restricted Stock Units.

(a)Death. Your Award is transferable by will and by the laws of descent and distribution. At your death, vesting of your Award will cease and your executor or administrator of your estate shall be entitled to receive, on behalf of your estate, any Common Stock or other consideration that vested but was not issued before your death.

(b)Domestic Relations Orders. Upon receiving written permission from the Board or its duly authorized designee, and provided that you and the designated transferee enter into transfer and other agreements required by the Company, you may transfer your right to receive the distribution of Common Stock or other consideration hereunder, pursuant to a domestic relations order or marital settlement agreement that contains the information required by the Company to effectuate the transfer. You are encouraged to discuss the proposed terms of any division of this Award with the Company prior to finalizing the domestic relations order or marital settlement agreement to verify that you may make such transfer, and if so, to help ensure the required information is contained within the domestic relations order or marital settlement agreement.

6.DATE OF ISSUANCE.

(a)The issuance of shares in respect of the Restricted Stock Units is intended to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) and will be construed and administered in such a manner. Subject to the satisfaction of the withholding obligations set forth in this Agreement, in the event one or more Restricted Stock Units vests, the Company shall issue to you one (1) share of Common Stock for each Restricted Stock Unit that vests on the applicable vesting date(s) (subject to any adjustment under Section 3 above). The issuance date determined by this paragraph is referred to as the “Original Issuance Date”.

(b)If the Original Issuance Date falls on a date that is not a business day, delivery shall instead occur on the next following business day. In addition, if:

(i)the Original Issuance Date does not occur (1) during an “open window period” applicable to you, as determined by the Company in accordance with the Company’s then-effective policy on trading in Company securities, or (2) on a date when you are otherwise permitted to sell shares of Common Stock on an established stock exchange or stock market, and

(ii)either (1) Withholding Taxes do not apply, or (2) the Company decides, prior to the Original Issuance Date, (A) not to satisfy the Withholding Taxes by withholding shares of Common Stock from the shares otherwise due, on the Original Issuance Date, to you under this Award, and (B) not to permit you to pay your Withholding Taxes in cash,

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then the shares that would otherwise be issued to you on the Original Issuance Date will not be delivered on such Original Issuance Date and will instead be delivered on the first business day when you are not prohibited from selling shares of the Company’s Common Stock in the open public market, but in no event later than December 31 of the calendar year in which the Original Issuance Date occurs (that is, the last day of your taxable year in which the Original Issuance Date occurs), or, if and only if permitted in a manner that complies with Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(4), no later than the date that is the 15th day of the third calendar month of the applicable year following the year in which the shares of Common Stock under this Award are no longer subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(d).

(c)The form of delivery (e.g., a stock certificate or electronic entry evidencing such shares) shall be determined by the Company.

7.DIVIDENDS. You shall receive no benefit or adjustment to your Award with respect to any cash dividend, stock dividend or other distribution that does not result from a Capitalization Adjustment.

8.RESTRICTIVE LEGENDS. The shares of Common Stock issued under your Award shall be endorsed with appropriate legends as determined by the Company.

9.EXECUTION OF DOCUMENTS. You hereby acknowledge and agree that the manner selected by the Company by which you indicate your consent to your Grant Notice is also deemed to be your execution of your Grant Notice and of this Agreement. You further agree that such manner of indicating consent may be relied upon as your signature for establishing your execution of any documents to be executed in the future in connection with your Award.

10.AWARD NOT A SERVICE CONTRACT.

(a)Nothing in this Agreement (including, but not limited to, the vesting of your Award or the issuance of the shares subject to your Award), the Plan or any covenant of good faith and fair dealing that may be found implicit in this Agreement or the Plan shall: (i) confer upon you any right to continue in the employ of, or affiliation with, the Company or an Affiliate; (ii) constitute any promise or commitment by the Company or an Affiliate regarding the fact or nature of future positions, future work assignments, future compensation or any other term or condition of employment or affiliation; (iii) confer any right or benefit under this Agreement or the Plan unless such right or benefit has specifically accrued under the terms of this Agreement or Plan; or (iv) deprive the Company of the right to terminate you at will and without regard to any future vesting opportunity that you may have.

(b)The Company has the right to reorganize, sell, spin-out or otherwise restructure one or more of its businesses or Affiliates at any time or from time to time, as it deems appropriate (a “reorganization”). Such a reorganization could result in the termination of your Continuous Service, or the termination of Affiliate status of your employer and the loss of benefits available to you under this Agreement, including but not limited to, the termination of the right to continue vesting in the Award. This Agreement, the Plan, the transactions contemplated hereunder and the vesting schedule set forth herein or any covenant of good faith

3.

and fair dealing that may be found implicit in any of them do not constitute an express or implied promise of continued engagement as an employee or consultant for the term of this Agreement, for any period, or at all, and shall not interfere in any way with the Company’s right to conduct a reorganization.

11.WITHHOLDING OBLIGATIONS.

(a)On each vesting date, and on or before the time you receive a distribution of the shares underlying your Restricted Stock Units, and at any other time as reasonably requested by the Company in accordance with applicable tax laws, you hereby authorize any required withholding from the Common Stock issuable to you and/or otherwise agree to make adequate provision in cash for any sums required to satisfy the federal, state, local and foreign tax withholding obligations of the Company or any Affiliate that arise in connection with your Award (the “Withholding Taxes”). Additionally, the Company or any Affiliate may, in its sole discretion, satisfy all or any portion of the Withholding Taxes obligation relating to your Award by any of the following means or by a combination of such means: (i) withholding from any compensation otherwise payable to you by the Company; (ii) causing you to tender a cash payment; (iii) permitting or requiring you to enter into a “same day sale” commitment, if applicable, with a broker-dealer that is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (a “FINRA Dealer”) whereby you irrevocably elect to sell a portion of the shares to be delivered in connection with your Restricted Stock Units to satisfy the Withholding Taxes and whereby the FINRA Dealer irrevocably commits to forward the proceeds necessary to satisfy the Withholding Taxes directly to the Company and/or its Affiliates; or (iv) withholding shares of Common Stock from the shares of Common Stock issued or otherwise issuable to you in connection with the Award with a Fair Market Value (measured as of the date shares of Common Stock are issued to pursuant to Section 6) equal to the amount of such Withholding Taxes; provided, however, that the number of such shares of Common Stock so withheld will not exceed the amount necessary to satisfy the Company’s required tax withholding obligations using the minimum statutory withholding rates for federal, state, local and foreign tax purposes, including payroll taxes, that are applicable to supplemental taxable income; and provided, further, that to the extent necessary to qualify for an exemption from application of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, if applicable, such share withholding procedure will be subject to the express prior approval of the Company’s Compensation Committee.

(b)Unless the tax withholding obligations of the Company and/or any Affiliate are satisfied, the Company shall have no obligation to deliver to you any Common Stock.

(c)In the event the Company’s obligation to withhold arises prior to the delivery to you of Common Stock or it is determined after the delivery of Common Stock to you that the amount of the Company’s withholding obligation was greater than the amount withheld by the Company, you agree to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any failure by the Company to withhold the proper amount.

12.TAX CONSEQUENCES. The Company has no duty or obligation to minimize the tax consequences to you of this Award and shall not be liable to you for any adverse tax consequences to you arising in connection with this Award. You are hereby advised to consult

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with your own personal tax, financial and/or legal advisors regarding the tax consequences of this Award and by signing the Grant Notice, you have agreed that you have done so or knowingly and voluntarily declined to do so. You understand that you (and not the Company) shall be responsible for your own tax liability that may arise as a result of this investment or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

13.UNSECURED OBLIGATION. Your Award is unfunded, and as a holder of a vested Award, you shall be considered an unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to the Company’s obligation, if any, to issue shares or other property pursuant to this Agreement. You shall not have voting or any other rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to the shares to be issued pursuant to this Agreement until such shares are issued to you pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement. Upon such issuance, you will obtain full voting and other rights as a stockholder of the Company. Nothing contained in this Agreement, and no action taken pursuant to its provisions, shall create or be construed to create a trust of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between you and the Company or any other person.

14.NOTICES. Any notice or request required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing to each of the other parties hereto and shall be deemed effectively given on the earlier of (i) the date of personal delivery, including delivery by express courier, or delivery via electronic means, or (ii) the date that is five (5) days after deposit in the United States Post Office (whether or not actually received by the addressee), by registered or certified mail with postage and fees prepaid, addressed at the following addresses, or at such other address(es) as a party may designate by ten (10) days’ advance written notice to each of the other parties hereto:

COMPANY:	Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc.
	Attn: Stock Administrator
	701 Lee Road, Suite 103
	Wayne, PA 19087
PARTICIPANT:	Your address as on file with the Company
	at the time notice is given

15.HEADINGS. The headings of the Sections in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute a part of this Agreement or to affect the meaning of this Agreement.

16.MISCELLANEOUS.

(a)The rights and obligations of the Company under your Award shall be transferable by the Company to any one or more persons or entities, and all covenants and agreements hereunder shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the Company’s successors and assigns.

(b)You agree upon request to execute any further documents or instruments necessary or desirable in the sole determination of the Company to carry out the purposes or intent of your Award.

5.

(c)You acknowledge and agree that you have reviewed your Award in its entirety, have had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing and accepting your Award and fully understand all provisions of your Award.

(d)This Agreement shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental agencies or national securities exchanges as may be required.

(e)All obligations of the Company under the Plan and this Agreement shall be binding on any successor to the Company, whether the existence of such successor is the result of a direct or indirect purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise, of all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company.

17.GOVERNING PLAN DOCUMENT. Your Award is subject to all the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of which are hereby made a part of your Award, and is further subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations which may from time to time be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan. Your Award (and any compensation paid or shares issued under your Award) is subject to recoupment in accordance with any clawback policy adopted by the Company and any compensation recovery policy otherwise required by applicable law. No recovery of compensation under such a clawback policy will be an event giving rise to a right to voluntarily terminate employment upon a resignation for “good reason,” or for a “constructive termination” or any similar term under any plan of or agreement with the Company.

18.EFFECT ON OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. The value of the Award subject to this Agreement shall not be included as compensation, earnings, salaries, or other similar terms used when calculating benefits under any employee benefit plan (other than the Plan) sponsored by the Company or any Affiliate except as such plan otherwise expressly provides. The Company expressly reserves its rights to amend, modify, or terminate any or all of the employee benefit plans of the Company or any Affiliate.

19.CHOICE OF LAW. The interpretation, performance and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by the law of the State of Delaware without regard to that state’s conflicts of laws rules.

20.SEVERABILITY. If all or any part of this Agreement or the Plan is declared by any court or governmental authority to be unlawful or invalid, such unlawfulness or invalidity shall not invalidate any portion of this Agreement or the Plan not declared to be unlawful or invalid. Any Section of this Agreement (or part of such a Section) so declared to be unlawful or invalid shall, if possible, be construed in a manner which will give effect to the terms of such Section or part of a Section to the fullest extent possible while remaining lawful and valid.

21.OTHER DOCUMENTS. You acknowledge receipt of and the right to receive a document providing the information required by Rule 428(b)(1) promulgated under the Securities Act, which includes the Plan prospectus. In addition, you acknowledge receipt of the Company’s Insider Trading Policy.

22.AMENDMENT. This Agreement may not be modified, amended or terminated except by an instrument in writing, signed by you and by a duly authorized representative of the

6.

Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be amended solely by the Board by a writing which specifically states that it is amending this Agreement, so long as a copy of such amendment is delivered to you, and provided that, except as otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, no such amendment materially adversely affecting your rights hereunder may be made without your written consent. Without limiting the foregoing, the Board reserves the right to change, by written notice to you, the provisions of this Agreement in any way it may deem necessary or advisable to carry out the purpose of the Award as a result of any change in applicable laws or regulations or any future law, regulation, ruling, or judicial decision, provided that any such change shall be applicable only to rights relating to that portion of the Award which is then subject to restrictions as provided herein.

23.COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 409A OF THE CODE. This Award is intended to comply with the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if it is determined that the Award fails to satisfy the requirements of the short-term deferral rule and is otherwise deferred compensation subject to Section 409A, and if you are a “Specified Employee” (within the meaning set forth in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code) as of the date of your “separation from service” (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h) and without regard to any alternative definition thereunder), then the issuance of any shares that would otherwise be made upon the date of the separation from service or within the first six (6) months thereafter will not be made on the originally scheduled date(s) and will instead be issued in a lump sum on the date that is six (6) months and one day after the date of the separation from service, with the balance of the shares issued thereafter in accordance with the original vesting and issuance schedule set forth above, but if and only if such delay in the issuance of the shares is necessary to avoid the imposition of adverse taxation on you in respect of the shares under Section 409A of the Code. Each installment of shares that vests is intended to constitute a “separate payment” for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2).

* * * * *

This Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement shall be deemed to be signed by the Company and the Participant upon the signing by the Participant of the Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice to which it is attached.

7.

ATTACHMENT II

2024 INDUCEMENT PLAN

8.

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

Aclaris Therapeutics Announces Exclusive, Global License Agreement
with Biosion, Inc., adding Potential Best-in-Class Biologics Assets to
Pipeline

- Enhances Aclaris’ pipeline with complementary biologics portfolio -

- Expands leadership team with addition of seasoned biotech executives -

- Management to host conference call today at 8:30 AM ET -

WAYNE, Pa., Nov. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACRS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel drug candidates for immuno-inflammatory diseases, today announced that it has entered into an exclusive license agreement with Biosion, Inc. (Biosion) for worldwide rights (excluding Greater China) to BSI-045B, a potential best-in-class, clinical-stage, novel anti-TSLP monoclonal antibody, and BSI-502, a potential best-in-class, pre-clinical stage, novel bispecific antibody that is directed against both TSLP and IL4R.

“This transformative transaction, which marks the completion of our strategic review process, accelerates our evolution into becoming a leading immunology company with both small and large molecule drugs,” said Dr. Neal Walker, Interim CEO and Chair of the Board of Directors of Aclaris. “Despite recent advances with anti-TSLP and anti-IL4R therapies, there remains substantial unmet need for more effective and convenient treatment options. BSI-045B’s compelling Phase 2a proof-of-concept data in atopic dermatitis, together with BSI-502’s dual-targeting approach, complement our existing ITK inhibitor portfolio, resulting in a pipeline of differentiated assets that targets multiple high-value indications. In addition, the proceeds from the private placement financing announced this morning bolsters our balance sheet and provides us with enhanced financial flexibility to support our strategic growth while maintaining our cash runway into 2028.”

In a completed Phase 2a, single-arm, proof-of-concept trial in the United States in 22 patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, BSI-045B was observed to have a pharmacodynamic, safety and efficacy profile that could position it as a potential best-in-class therapy. BSI-045B is also being advanced in multiple Phase 2 studies in China by Biosion’s regional partner, Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group, Co., Ltd. (CTTQ), targeting both severe asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, accelerating the potential to show proof-of-concept across additional indications.

“This strategic transaction brings together Biosion’s and Aclaris’ innovative programs with Aclaris’ development capabilities in immunology,” said James Loerop, Chief Business Officer of Aclaris. “With our expanded portfolio, we have created a diversified pipeline of strategic opportunities across various immunologic and respiratory indications.”

Biosion is a global biotechnology company that has built a pipeline of innovative biologics through its internally derived proprietary technologies. “Our proprietary antibody discovery platforms have enabled us to rapidly identify and optimize novel antibodies with exceptional potency and selectivity,” said Mingjiu Chen, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of Biosion. “BSI-045B and BSI-502 demonstrate the power of our discovery capabilities in generating potential first and best-in-class therapeutics.”

Expanded Leadership Team

Concurrent with the Biosion transaction, Aclaris has made two key additions to its leadership team:

· Hugh Davis, Ph.D., joins as President and Chief Operating Officer, bringing over 35 years of experience in biologics development, clinical pharmacology, and business development from leadership roles at Biosion, Frontage, GSK, and Johnson & Johnson.

· Steven Knapp, PharmD, joins as Executive Vice President, Head of Regulatory & Quality, with over 35 years of regulatory and quality experience from senior positions at Biosion, Antares, Valeant, and BMS.

“Having led key functions in the development of multiple approved biologics, I’m particularly excited about the potential of BSI-045B and BSI-502,” said Hugh Davis, Ph.D. “I am thrilled to join the world class scientific leadership team at Aclaris.  Together with their existing compelling portfolio, Aclaris is now well positioned to advance innovative small and large molecule programs through clinical development in the quest to deliver exceptional therapies for patients worldwide.”

About BSI-045B

BSI-045B is a humanized anti-thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to human TSLP, blocking its interaction with the receptor complex and disrupting signal transduction. This mechanism prevents immune cells targeted by TSLP from releasing proinflammatory cytokines. BSI-045B is currently in clinical development, and its safety and efficacy have not been evaluated by regulatory authorities.

About BSI-502

BSI-502 is a humanized anti-TSLP and anti-interleukin 4 receptor (IL4R) bispecific antibody that blocks both the upstream TSLP receptor signal transduction and downstream IL4R activation thereby inhibiting this central proinflammatory pathway. BSI-502 is currently in pre-clinical development, and its safety and efficacy have not been evaluated by regulatory authorities.

Conference Call and Webcast

Management will conduct a conference call at 8:30 AM ET today to discuss the Biosion transaction and a corporate update. To access the live webcast of the call and the accompanying slide presentation, please visit the “Events” page of the “Investors” section of Aclaris’ website, www.aclaristx.com. The webcast will be archived for at least 30 days on the Aclaris website.

Advisors

Leerink Partners and Cantor acted as financial advisors to Aclaris in connection with the license transaction.

Cooley LLP acted as corporate counsel and DLA Piper LLP (US) acted as IP counsel to Aclaris.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius acted as counsel to Biosion.

About Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc.

Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a pipeline of novel drug candidates to address the needs of patients with immuno-inflammatory diseases who lack satisfactory treatment options. The company has a multi-stage portfolio of drug candidates powered by a robust R&D engine exploring protein kinase regulation. For additional information, please visit 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 “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “will,” and similar expressions, and are based on Aclaris’ current beliefs and expectations. These forward-looking statements include expectations regarding the potential benefits of the transaction with Biosion, Inc., including the potential benefits of the license agreement and the potential of BSI-045B and BSI-502 to be best-in-class therapies and the potential commercial opportunities for these drug candidates, as well as statements about the proceeds from the private placement and Aclaris’ cash sufficiency and 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 have full control, Aclaris’ ability to enter into strategic partnerships on commercially reasonable terms, the uncertainty regarding the macroeconomic environment 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, 2023, 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 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.

Aclaris Therapeutics Contact:

investors@aclaristx.com

EX-99.2

Exhibit 99.2

Aclaris Therapeutics Announces $80 Million Private Placement

WAYNE, Pa., Nov. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACRS)(the “Company” or “Aclaris”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel drug candidates for immuno-inflammatory diseases, today announced that it has entered into a securities purchase agreement with a group of accredited investors for the private placement of 35,555,555 shares of common stock at a purchase price of $2.25 per share, for gross proceeds of approximately $80.0 million. The private placement is expected to close on or about November 19, 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

The private placement was led by Vivo Capital, with participation by new and existing investors including Forge Life Science Partners, Rock Springs Capital, RA Capital Management, Adage Capital Partners LP, Decheng Capital, Logos Capital and Samsara BioCapital.

Net proceeds from the private placement are expected to fund the research and development of its pipeline and for general corporate purposes.

The securities being issued and sold in the private placement have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).  Accordingly, these securities may not be offered or sold in the United States, except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Concurrently with the execution of the securities purchase agreement, the Company and the investors entered into a registration rights agreement pursuant to which the Company has agreed to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) registering the resale of the shares of common stock sold in the private placement. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

Leerink Partners and Cantor acted as placement agents in connection with the private placement.

About Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc.

Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a pipeline of novel drug candidates to address the needs of patients with immuno-inflammatory diseases who lack satisfactory treatment options. The company has a multi-stage portfolio of drug candidates powered by a robust R&D engine exploring protein kinase regulation.

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 “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “will,” and similar expressions, and are based on Aclaris’ current beliefs and expectations. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding the closing of the private placement and anticipated use of proceeds. 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, but are not limited to, risks related to market conditions and the satisfaction of closing conditions for the private placement, uncertainties inherent in the conduct of clinical trials, Aclaris’ reliance on third parties over which it may not always have full control, Aclaris’ ability to enter into strategic partnerships on commercially reasonable terms, the uncertainty regarding the macroeconomic environment 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, 2023, and other filings Aclaris makes with the SEC from time to time. These documents are available under the “SEC Filings” page of the “Investors” section of Aclaris’ website at 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.

Aclaris Therapeutics Contact:

investors@aclaristx.com

EX-99.3

Exhibit 99.3

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved Confidential © Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved Corporate Overview November 2024

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) 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 “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “will,” and similar expressions, and are based on Aclaris’ current beliefs and expectations. These forward-looking statements include expectations regarding the therapeutic potential of Aclaris' drug candidates, including BSI-045B and BSI-502, to provide meaningful benefit to patients suffering from atopic dermatitis, COPD, asthma or other indications, the development of Aclaris’ drug candidates, including BSI-045B, BSI-502, ATI-2138 and an undisclosed next generation selective ITK inhibitor, the timing of regulatory filings and initiation of clinical trials, the timing of selecting an ITK inhibitor drug candidate, the availability and timing of data from clinical trials, the market opportunity for Aclaris’ drug candidates, including BSI-045B and BSI-502, in the indications they seek to target, the potential of BSI-045B to be dosed monthly, the PIPE financing and the expected net proceeds from such financing, and Aclaris' 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 have full control, Aclaris’ ability to enter into strategic partnerships on commercially reasonable terms, the uncertainty regarding the macroeconomic environment 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, 2023, 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 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. 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 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) • In-licensing two biologics from Biosion • BSI-045B – anti-TSLP mAb (Phase 2) • BSI-502 – anti-TSLP/IL4R BsAb (IND enabling tox) • Broad Immunology-Focused Development Pipeline  Two Phase 2 I&I assets, multiple preclinical programs, and proprietary kinase inhibitor discovery engine • BSI-045B – potential best-in-class clinical stage anti-TSLP mAb, including potential first-in-class in atopic dermatitis – Ongoing Phase 2 in Severe Asthma and Phase 2 in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps in China (partner) • ATI-2138 – oral inhibitor of ITK/JAK3 • BSI-502 – potential best-in-class anti-TSLP/IL4R BsAb • ITK inhibitor – oral selective ITK inhibitor  Rich catalyst calendar • Strong Balance Sheet  Proforma cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of September 30, 2024 of $213M1, is expected to fund company into 20282  Cash runway expected to fund multiple catalysts across the pipeline, including with respect to BSI-045B Phase 2b in AD, BSI-502 Phase 1/1b, ATI-2138 Phase 2a in AD and Phase 2 in AA, and ITK Selective Phase 1/1b • Additional catalysts expected from the development of BSI-045B in China by other Biosion partner Executive Summary 3 1. After the upfront payment obligations under the Biosion license agreement and expected private placement net proceeds of $77M. 2. Without giving effect to additional business development transactions or financing activities.

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) Biotechnology Company Focused on Immuno-inflammatory Diseases with Large and Small Molecule Therapeutics Pipeline + Platform + People Innovative Pipeline (investigational drug candidates) Proven leadership team World class small molecule and large molecule expertise Large multinational and small biotech company experience Leadership BSI-045B – monoclonal antibody targeting thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) BSI-502 – bispecific antibody targeting both TSLP and interleukin-4 receptor (IL4R) ATI-2138 – oral inhibitor of ITK/JAK3 ITK inhibitor – oral selective ITK inhibitor Discovery Engine/Expertise Proprietary kinase small molecule discovery engine Large molecule discovery and development expertise – leadership with over a dozen biologics approved 4

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) Experienced Leadership Team • 25+ years life sciences experience • Successful serial entrepreneur; founder and leader of several life science companies including Aclaris, Vicept Therapeutics and Tricept Therapeutics • Board certified Dermatologist Dr. Neal Walker Interim CEO & Chairman Joe Monahan, PhD Chief Scientific Officer • 35+ years pharmaceutical research experience • Lead Founder and Former CSO of Confluence Life Sciences • Former Pfizer Leader of Global Kinase Team Kevin Balthaser Chief Financial Officer • 14+ years of financial leadership including over 10 years in the life sciences industry • Former accounting and finance roles at Lannett Company, Inc. and PwC • Certified Public Accountant James Loerop Chief Business Officer • 30+ years of large pharma and biotech BD experience • Former Business Development leadership roles at Alexion, GSK. Stifel Laboratories and Anika Therapeutics 5 • 35+ years in biologics development, clinical pharmacology, and business development • Former roles at Frontage, GSK, Johnson & Johnson • Key team member for approval of REMICADE®, STELARA®, DARZALEX® Hugh Davis, PhD President and COO Steven Knapp, PharmD EVP, Head of Regulatory & Quality • 35+ years experience in in regulatory and quality • Antares, Valeant, BMS • Key team member for approval of ERBITUX® All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) Program Indication(s) Preclinical Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 BSI-045B TSLP mAb Subcutaneous Atopic Dermatitis (moderate-to-severe) ATI-2138 ITK/JAK3 Inhibitor Oral Atopic Dermatitis (moderate-to-severe) BSI-502 TSLP x IL4R BsAb Subcutaneous Respiratory/Dermatology Undisclosed ITK Selective Inhibitor Oral Autoimmune Lepzacitinib (ATI-1777) JAK1/JAK3 Inhibitor Soft Topical Atopic Dermatitis (moderate-to-severe) Partnered in China and pursuing additional discussions Zunsemetinib (ATI-450) MK2 Inhibitor Oral Pancreatic cancer; Metastatic Breast Cancer Investigator-initiated trials at Washington Univ, St. Louis Broad Immunology Development Pipeline 6

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) Confidential BSI-045B: Anti-TSLP Monoclonal Antibody Program (Investigational Drug Candidate) 7

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) • BSI-045B is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) • TSLP - master regulator of type 2 (Th2) immune responses at the barrier surfaces of skin and the respiratory/gastrointestinal tract. • Proven biology - the expression of TSLP is elevated in individuals with atopic diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD) and various respiratory diseases. • TEZSPIRE® approved in severe asthma o Studied in COPD and AD • Potential advantages of BSI-045B:  Potency versus tezepelumab and other assets in clinical development  Unique binding characteristics  Slow dissociation rate versus competitors  Opportunity for extended dosing Adapted from Nakajima et al. Allergology International 2020 BSI-045B Overview 8

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) BSI-045B Key Properties 60x More Potent than Tezepelumab • Very high affinity to TSLP • Extremely low dissociation rate from TSLP*, leading to long residence time and enhanced neutralization activity • Very high potency • Unique binding characteristics to TSLP • ~23-day half-life that can potentially support an extended dosing interval (data not shown) Molecule Human TSLP ka (1/Ms) kd (1/s) KD (M) BSI-045B 2.16E+06 <1E-05* <4.63E-12* 9 >60x hPBMC CCL17 Inhibition Data on file. * Quantification of dissociation rate limited by the surface plasmon resonance instrument sensitivity

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) Dissociation Kinetics of TSLP Binding to anti-TSLP mAb using TR-FRET Dissociation of TSLP from mAbs Residence Time on TSLP (n=3) • BSI-045B and BSI-502 demonstrate very slow dissociation kinetics from TSLP relative to comparator antibodies • The residence time for BSI-045B and BSI-502 is ~20-100x longer than comparator antibodies Time (min) 0 2000 4000 Fractional Response (yi/yo) 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 BSI-045B BSI-502 GSK-5784283 V1 (hu3-13) GSK-5784283 V2 (hu179-33) Solrikitug/MK-8226 Tezepelumab * * ** ** *Analog mAb **Biosimilar mAb Data on file. 10 402 416 3.59 22.1 8.11 14.3 0 100 200 300 400 500 BSI-045B BSI-502 GSK-5784283 V1 (hu3-13)* GSK-5784283 V2 (hu179- 33)* Solrikitug/MK-8226** Tezepelumab** Residence Time (hr)

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) BSI-045B Has Greater Potency Than Other TSLP/TSLPR Antibodies 11 TSLP Stimulated CCL17 Production from hPBMC (0.1ng/ml TSLP) • BSI-045B is the most potent of the TSLP/TSLPR antibodies evaluated in blocking CCL17 production • The bifunctional antibody, BSI-502, retains much of the potency for TSLP functional blockade compared with the parent BSI-045B Data on file. Antibody Antibody-dependent CCL17 Modulation IC50 (X∆) vs BSI-045B TSLP @ 0.1ng/ml (IC50 / IC90), nM n BSI-045B 0.004 / 0.059 10 1X Tezepelumab* 0.282 / 3.158 10 71X hu3-13 (GSK1)** 0.024 / 0.433 4 6X UPB-101* 0.019 / 0.093 4 5X MK-8226* 0.034 / 0.239 4 9X hu179-33 (GSK2)** 0.007 / 0.028 4 2X *Biosimilar BSI-502 0.011 / 0.116 4 3X **Analog Antibody (nM) 0.00001 0.0001 0.001 0.01 0.1 1 10 100 1000 CCL17 Production (mean % stim, R&D TSLP @ 0.1ng/ml) 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 BSI-045B Tezepelumab* hu3-13 (GSK-5784283 v1)** UPB-101 (Verekitug anti-TSLPR)* MK-8226 (Solrikitug)* hu179-33 (GSK-5784283 v2)** BSI-502

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) Clinical Translation: BSI-045B Phase 2a (US-Based) POC Monotherapy Study Summary 12 Screening/ Washout 300 mg QW 12 Week Follow-up 300 mg Q2W Primary Objectives • To evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of BSI-045B as monotherapy in subjects with moderate to severe AD Secondary Objectives • To evaluate the pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity and pharmacodynamic biomarkers of BSI-045B in subjects with moderate to severe AD Enrolled: 22 subjects (17 completed treatment) at 7 US-based sites Eligibility: diagnosis of AD (present for at least 6 months); EASI ≥12; IGA ≥3; total AD BSA ≥10% Baseline Characteristics: Mean EASI of 17.6, Mean PP-NRS of 6.5; majority had prior medication prior to screening W1-W4 W4-W24 W24-W36 Week 26 (2 weeks after last dose) Primary endpoint analysis

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) • A time lag in efficacy response relative to exposure was observed both while the drug was onboard and after the last dose • EASI-75 sustained response after the last dose supports the possibility of longer dosing intervals BSI-045B Exposure and Efficacy Time Profile Demonstrated Sustained Clinical Response After the Last Dose 13 Data on file.

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) BSI-045B Demonstrated Improvement in Efficacy Measures (Week 26, N=17) 14 EASI 75 % @ Week 26 EASI 90 % @ Week 26 EASI 100 % @ Week 26 IGA 0/1 @ Week 26 94% 65% 24% 88% Data on file.

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) Safety • A total of 13 (59.1%) participants had TEAEs, and 3 (13.6%) had treatment-related TEAEs o Among 13 participants with TEAEs, 2 participants had grade 2 TEAEs (neither treatment-related) • No serious TEAEs, ≥Grade 3 TEAEs, or TEAEs leading to treatment interruption • One (4.5%) participant had a non-treatment related TEAE leading to treatment withdrawal • Headache was the most common TEAE (5/22, 22.7%) • Most common type of injection site reaction was tenderness (11/22, 52.4%); all grade 1 Immunogenicity • The occurrence of positive anti-drug antibodies (ADA) was low (4.5%). ADAs developed post-cessation of treatment and did not significantly impact the observed PK exposure. BSI-045B Safety and Immunogenicity Profile in P2a POC 15

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) Comparison to Dupilumab Mono, Combo, and Tezepelumab Combo Studies** Percent Change from Baseline EASI Score 16 Percent Change From Baseline EASI Score 1,2 1,2 2,3 2,3 4,5 4,5 * * 1. N Engl J Med. 2016 Dec 15;375(24):2335-2348. [SOLO1:NCT02277743; SOLO2:NCT02277769]; 2. 16-week study; 3. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019 Apr;80(4):1013-1021. [NCT02525094]; 4. Lancet. 2017 Jun 10;389(10086):2287-2303. [NCT02260986]; 5*. LIBERTY AD CHRONOS was a 52-week study; data truncated to align with BSI-045B trial **Not a head-to-head comparison

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) Significant Unmet Medical Needs Exist For Current Atopic Dermatitis Treatment BSI-045B Has Best-in-class Potential Compared to Currently Approved Agents 17 Unmet Medical Need for AD Treatment BSI-045B1 Dupilumab2 Tralokinumab3 Lebrikizumab4 Oral JAKi Upadacitinib5 as example Efficacy % of Patients Achieving EASI75/90  94% / 65% mono-therapy 69% / 40% combo with TCS 56% / 33% combo with TCS 70% / 41% combo with TCS 60-80% / 43-66% % of Patients Achieving IGA 0 or 1 with ≥ 2- point Improvement  88% mono-therapy 39% combo with TCS 39% combo with TCS 41% combo with TCS 39-48% TCS Needed  mono-therapy Yes Yes Yes  No Safety No Box Warning  favorable safety profile with no SAE observed     Box warning Dosing & Convenience Dosing Interval  Q2W with potential Q4W+ dosing Q2W Q2W Q2W Once daily Route of Administration SC SC SC SC  Oral Indication Other Atopic, Immunologic and Respiratory Indications  potential in asthma, CRSwNP, EoE, COPD  approved for asthma, CRSwNP, EoE, COPD, PN    approved for RA, UC, Crohn’s disease 1. BSI-045B ph2a AD clinical trial (mono therapy at Week 26 N=17); 2. Dupilumab ph3 AD clinical trials CHRONOS at 16 weeks, q2w (Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02260986)(Lancet. 2017; 389:2287); TCS = topical corticosteroid; 3. Tralokinumab ph3 AD clinical trial ECZTRA 3 at 16 weeks, q2w (Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03363854); 4. Lebrikizumab ph3 AD clinical trial ADhere at 16 weeks, q2w (Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04250337); 5. Upadacitinib ph3 AD clinical trials Measure Up 1 & 2 at 16 weeks (Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03569293 & NCT03607422)

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) BSI-045B Summary • BSI-045B exhibits high affinity, slow dissociation and long residence time - results in very high potency • BSI-045B’s high potency and long half-life translated to a very high clinical response in subjects with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in a US-based Phase 2a POC trial  65% of subjects achieving 90% or greater reduction in EASI score  88% of subjects achieving an IGA 0/1 at Week 26  Sustained EASI-75 responses post last dose • BSI-045B currently in Phase 2 studies in China (partner)  Severe Asthma  CRS w/NP • The pharmacodynamics, safety, and efficacy profile of BSI-045B  Provides strong confidence to conduct randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2b clinical trials in atopic dermatitis, severe asthma, COPD, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, and eosinophilic esophagitis  Forms the basis for confidence in the bispecific approach of BSI-502 18

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) Confidential BSI-502: Anti-TSLP x IL4R Bispecific Antibody Program (Investigational Drug Candidate) 19

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) BSI-502 – Key Asset Highlights • Exhibits high binding affinity to and dual blockade of both TSLP and IL4R • Anti-TSLP mAb component has Fc engineered to bind more tightly to FcRn, potentially extending half-life • Exhibits greater cellular bioactivity on CCL17 release than the combination of tezepelumab and dupilumab, a key biomarker for atopic dermatitis • Potential to show superior activity in AD, severe asthma and COPD compared to approved therapies • IND submission planned for Q1 2025 20 Data on file.

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) BSI-502 Exhibits Greater Cellular Bioactivity than the Combination of Tezepelumab and Dupilumab on CCL17 Release 1 0 - 3 1 0 - 2 1 0 - 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 2 1 0 3 0 .0 0 .5 1 .0 1 .5 2 .0 E ffe c t o n C C L 1 7 r e le a se in d u c e d b y 1 0 n g /m L IL 4 p lu s 1 0 n g /m L T S L P - E x v iv o P B M C a ssa y Effect on CCL17 release induced by 10 ng/mL IL4 plus 10 ng/mL TSLP -Ex vivo PBMC assay Negative control Tezepelumab analog BSI-045B (TSLP mAb) Dupilumab BSI-045A (IL4R mAb) Tezepelumab analog + dupilumab BSI-045B + BSI-045A BSI-502 (TSLPxIL4R BsAb) Ab Concentration (nM) CCL17 Level (OD450) 21 Data on file.

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) Bispecific Approach: Blocking both IL4R and TSLP Could Drive Enhanced Efficacy Tezepelumab and Dupilumab Efficacy in COPD Placebo (N=471) DUPI(N=468) Placebo (N=465) DUPI(N=470) 0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 Annual exacerbation rate -29% -34% DUPIXENT® Ph3 Trial BOREAS and NOTUS EOS>300 cells/µL1 22 BOREAS NOTUS 1. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03930732?cond=COPD&intr=dupilumab&aggFilters=phase:3&rank=2&tab=results; https://www.sanofi.com/assets/dotcom/pressreleases/2023/2023-11-27-06-30-00- 2785836-en.pdf. 2. AstraZeneca Investor Day 2024 BioPharmaceuticals Presentation. https://www.astrazeneca.com/content/dam/az/Investor_Relations/events/ID/BioPharmaceuticals-presentation.pdf

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) BSI-045B and BSI-502 Summary *Superior characteristics (potency, affinity, bioavailability, and bioactivity) in comparison to tezepelumab based on internal data **Data on File BSI-045B -The Leading TSLP Program in Development for both Atopic Dermatitis and Severe Asthma • Validated target – BSI-045B has demonstrated functional superiority in comparison with market leader TEZSPIRE® (tezepelumab)* o Comparative data shows greater potency, affinity, and neutralization* • Completed Ph. 2a in Atopic Dermatitis in US o Positive POC single arm study that showed over 90% of subjects with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis achieved a 75% reduction in their disease (EASI-75 response) • Ongoing Ph. 2 in Severe Asthma and Ph. 2 in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps in China (partner) o Parallel development program in China can potentially be leveraged to accelerate timeline for severe asthma – Potential best-in-class TSLP in severe asthma • Potential for a maintenance dosing of once monthly (compared to once every two weeks for dupilumab) BSI-502 - Follow-on Next-generation Bispecific TSLP x IL4R program – Potential Best-in-Class • Next-gen approach based on proven targets - combining a novel TSLP Ab and IL4R Ab in a novel bispecific format • Dual-blockade of ‘Upstream’ (TSLP) and ‘Downstream’ (IL4, IL13) signaling shows improved effect on the chemokine CCL17** • Potential for competitive positioning in severe asthma, atopic dermatitis, and COPD Immunology Franchise Portfolio Opportunity – A Pipeline Within Two Assets • Combined assets have the potential to take advantage of significant market opportunities in Severe Asthma, COPD, Atopic Dermatitis, Chronic Rhinosinusitis, Allergy and other Th2 mediated diseases • Expanded clinical development strategy with streamlined execution can serve as value multiplier for both programs 23

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) Confidential ATI-2138: A First-Generation Novel ITK/JAK3 Inhibitor for T Cell-Mediated Diseases (Investigational Drug Candidate) 24

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) ATI-2138: Oral Small Molecule Covalent IL-2-Inducible Tyrosine Kinase (ITK) & JAK3 Inhibitor for Autoimmune Disease 25 1. Data on file. • ATI-2138 is an investigational oral compound which interrupts T cell receptor (TCR) signaling by inhibiting ITK and JAK3 signaling of common γ chain cytokines in lymphocytes (including IL-2 & IL-15) and is designed to reduce T cell differentiation, proliferation and cytokine production • ATI-2138 is differentiated from other kinase inhibitors as it is highly potent for both ITK and JAK3 (IC50: 0.2nM ITK; 0.5nM JAK3)1 • Positioned as fast follower to ritlecitinib – the only approved JAK3/TEC inhibitor • SAD/MAD work completed demonstrating ATI-2138 was well tolerated1 • Currently enrolling POC study in Atopic Dermatitis • Additional potential indications: o Alopecia Areata o Vitiligo o IBD TCR APC T Cell Proliferation Differentiation Activation γc cytokines JAK3 pSTAT5 ATI-2138 T Cell NK Cell

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) • Ritlecitinib approved in Alopecia Areata • ATI-2138 is 44.4x more potent than ritlecitinib for inhibiting αCD3 induced IFNγ production (ITK) and 5.4x more potent for inhibiting JAK3 dependent IL-2 induced IFNγ production in human whole blood • At the FDA recommended 50 mg QD dose for alopecia areata, ritlecitinib plasma levels may not impact ITK (anti-CD3 /IFNγ) for any appreciable time • In the ATI-2138 MAD study, the 5-40 mg BID doses inhibited up to 50%-90% of both ITK and JAK3 PD markers ATI-2138: Fast follower and Best-in-Class Potential vs Ritlecitinib Dual ITK and JAK3 Inhibitors 26 ITK: HWB αCD3 Stimulated IFNγ Release JAK3: HWB IL2 Stimulated IFNγ Release 5.4x 44.4x ATI-2138 Ritlecitinib ATI-2138 Ritlecitinib Data on file.

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) ATI-2138 and CPI-818 (Soquelitinib) Potency Comparison 27 0 0.01 0.1 1 3 10 0 200 400 600 800 CPI-818_IL13 CPI-818 [uM] % untreated control 0 0.01 0.1 1 0 50 100 150 ATI-2138_IL4 ATI-2138 [uM] % untreated control ✱✱✱✱ 0 0.01 0.1 1 0 50 100 150 ATI-2138_IL5 ATI-2138 [uM] % untreated control ✱✱✱✱ 0 0.01 0.1 1 0 50 100 150 ATI-2138_IL13 ATI-2138 [uM] % untreated control ✱✱✱✱ Anti-CD3/CD28-Induced Cytokines from Human Th2 Cells • ATI-2138 is 15-38x more potent than CPI-818 in inhibiting the ITK enzyme activity • ATI-2138 is significantly more potent than CPI-818 in blocking the Th2 derived cytokines, IL4, IL-5 and IL-13 (~100x) Data on file

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) 28 ATI-2138 Pharmacokinetic Analysis from MAD Study Exhibited Linear PK and Targeted Exposure • Day 15 plasma concentration curves demonstrated linear PK for ATI-2138 • Targeted ATI-2138 average exposure over the dosing interval was achieved at doses of 10mg per day and above ATI-2138 PK Steady State PK Dose Proportionality

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) ATI-2138 MAD Exploratory Pharmacodynamics Dose Response Data (BID Cohorts) • Pharmacodynamic biomarkers - Ex-vivo stimulation of whole blood taken from subjects before and after administration of ATI-2138 – BID cohorts • Stimulation with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 (readout IL-2 mRNA; T-cell activation), IL-15 (readout INFγ; JAK1/3 activation) and dual stimulation (readout INFγ; T-cell and cytokine stimulation) • ATI-2138 showed dose and time dependent inhibition of all stimulation conditions Data on file 29

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) • ITK Inhibition Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a Th2 cell driven disease and ITK inhibition blocks Th2 cell differentiation/activation and production of IL-4 and IL-13 • Dupilumab (anti-IL4Rα) and tralokinumab (anti-IL-13) are efficacious in AD Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCI; tacrolimus and pimecrolimus) are effective in AD and function downstream of ITK T cells from AD patients have increased ITK expression1 ITK polymorphisms are associated with increased atopy risk2 ITK inhibitors are active in murine contact hypersensitivity3 • JAK3 Inhibition JAK3 regulates γ-common cytokines including IL-2 and IL-4 JAK inhibitors (upadacitinib, abrocitinib and baricitinib) are efficacious in AD Rationale for Dual Inhibition of ITK and JAK3 ATI-2138 in Atopic Dermatitis 30 1. Matsumoto Y., et al; Identification of Highly Expressed Genes in Peripheral Blood T Cells from Patients with Atopic Dermatitis. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 1 December 2002; 129 (4): 327– 340; 2. Graves PE, et al. Association of atopy and eczema with polymorphisms in T-cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain-IL-2-inducible T-cell kinase gene cluster in chromosome 5 q 33. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2005 Sep;116(3):650-6; 3. von Bonin, A., et al. (2011), Inhibition of the IL-2-inducible tyrosine kinase (Itk) activity: a new concept for the therapy of inflammatory skin diseases. Experimental Dermatology, 20: 41-47.

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) Phase 2a Trial Design of ATI-2138 in Atopic Dermatitis Dosing underway 31 • Open label design • Total 12 weeks treatment • 10mg BID dosing • Safety, PK • PD: RNA analysis, proteomics, IHC to analyze specific pathway inhibition • EASI-50, -75, -90, % change in EASI • Change in vIGA, % achieving IGA-TS • % change BSA, PP-NRS • POEM, DLQI Treatment Endpoints • Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis • EASI ≥ 16 • vIGA 3-4 • BSA ≥ 10% • 18-60 years • Planned 15 patients Eligibility

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) ATI-2138 Summary: Combined IL-2-Inducible Tyrosine Kinase (ITK) & JAK3 Inhibitor for Autoimmune Disease 32 The unique pharmacological profile of ATI-2138 provides opportunity for differentiation • ATI-2138 is an oral compound which interrupts Th2 cell receptor (TCR) signaling by inhibiting ITK and JAK3 signaling of common γ chain cytokines in lymphocytes (including IL-2, IL-4 & IL-15) • ATI-2138 potently and selectively inhibits ITK and JAK3 • ATI-2138 has demonstrated the prevention of inflammation in animal models of colitis and arthritis • Safety, pharmacology and toxicology studies have been completed • Phase 1 SAD and MAD studies in healthy volunteers have been completed  ATI-2138 was generally well tolerated, and no serious adverse events were reported  PK was dose proportional with adequate exposure to block ITK and JAK3 in PD biomarker assays • Evaluating ATI-2138 for the potential treatment of numerous T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases • A Phase 2a atopic dermatitis trial is under way with data expected in 1H 2025 o PD to be assessed demonstrating the importance of ITK inhibition

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) Confidential Next Generation Selective ITK Inhibitor 33

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) 34 Selective ITK Inhibition Impacts Th2 Mediated Disease ITK Skews T Helper Cell Differentiation Towards Th2 and Th17 Phenotypes • ITK has a nonredundant role in the differentiation and activation of TH2 and TH17 cells • Blockade of TH2 function inhibits production of IL-4 and IL-13, two cytokines with demonstrated importance in atopic and allergic diseases • Goal of next generation ITK inhibitor is to eliminate crossover on JAK3 to minimize JAK safety concerns • Selective targeting of ITK (TH2 and TH17 inhibition) and/or ITK/TXK (broad T cell inhibition) while sparing JAK3 should result in more specific T cell modulating drugs • Actively progressing to candidate selection; planned IND submission 1H 2026 Adapted from J Sig Trans 2011:DOI:10.1155/2011/297868

© Copyright 2024 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved © Copyright 2020 Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved (XX) Company Summary 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 Proforma cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of Q3 2024 of $213M1 and cash runway expected into 20282 Focus on addressing the needs of patients with immuno-inflammatory diseases who lack satisfactory treatment options Commitment to Patients 1. After the upfront payment obligations under the Biosion license agreement and expected private placement net proceeds of $77M. 2. Without giving effect to additional business development transactions or financing activities. 35

XML

Document and Entity Information	Nov. 16, 2024
Document and Entity Information
Document Type	8-K
Document Period End Date	Nov. 16, 2024
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	701 Lee Road
Entity Address, Adress Line Two	Suite 103
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