Acadian Boosts Investment in Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. (ACRS) as Phase 2a Results Come to Forefront
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Sep 21 2025
0mins
Source: Yahoo Finance
Investment Activity: Acadian Asset Management LLC increased its stake in Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACRS) by 25.9%, acquiring 451,044 shares, which brings their total ownership to 2,195,191 shares.
Clinical Development: Aclaris is advancing its drug ATI-2138 for atopic dermatitis, with new Phase 2a trial data set to be presented at the 2025 EADV Congress, indicating potential for future success despite the company's past challenges.
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Analyst Views on ACRS
Wall Street analysts forecast ACRS stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for ACRS is 9.25 USD with a low forecast of 6.00 USD and a high forecast of 16.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
5 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 3.510
Low
6.00
Averages
9.25
High
16.00
Current: 3.510
Low
6.00
Averages
9.25
High
16.00
About ACRS
Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company. The Company is engaged in developing a pipeline of drug candidates to address the needs of patients with immuno-inflammatory diseases. It has a multi-stage portfolio of drug candidates powered by a robust research and development engine. Its KINect drug discovery platform, combined with its preclinical development capabilities, allows it to identify and advance potential product candidates that it may develop independently or in collaboration with third parties. It has two segments: therapeutics and contract research. The therapeutics segment is focused on identifying and developing therapies to address unmet needs for immuno-inflammatory diseases. The contract research segment is engaged in the provision of laboratory services. Its drug candidates include Bosakitug (ATI-045), ATI-2138 and ATI-052. Its other investigational product candidates include Lepzacitinib (ATI-1777) and Zunsemetinib (ATI-450).
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Aclaris ATI-2138 Shows Superior Efficacy in Hair Loss Treatment
- Preclinical Results: Aclaris Therapeutics' ATI-2138 demonstrated rapid and near-complete hair regrowth in a murine model, achieving 87% regrowth at week 4 compared to Pfizer's Litfulo at 48%, indicating a significant therapeutic advantage in treating autoimmune alopecia.
- Future Trial Plans: Aclaris is set to initiate a Phase 2b trial for ATI-2138 in the first half of 2026, exploring its potential for additional alopecia indications, reflecting the company's confidence in the drug's market prospects.
- Strong Stock Performance: ACRS shares are trading at $3.88, 22.6% above the 20-day simple moving average and have increased by 58.16% over the past year, showcasing robust short-term and medium-term momentum that suggests investor optimism about the company's future.
- Analyst Ratings: The stock carries a 'Buy' rating with an average price target of $10.73, while HC Wainwright & Co. maintains a target of $16, indicating strong market recognition of Aclaris' growth potential.
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Aclaris Therapeutics Added to Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Effective December 19, 2025
- Index Inclusion: Aclaris Therapeutics has been added to the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index effective December 19, 2025, marking a significant recognition in the biopharmaceutical sector that enhances its market image and investor confidence.
- Market Standards: The Nasdaq Biotechnology Index aims to track the performance of securities classified as biotechnology or pharmaceutical, and Aclaris's inclusion indicates it meets various eligibility criteria, including minimum market capitalization and average daily trading volume, thereby strengthening its competitive position in the industry.
- Annual Evaluation: The index is evaluated annually in December using a modified capitalization-weighted methodology, and Aclaris's addition may attract more investor attention, potentially improving its stock liquidity and market performance.
- R&D Potential: As a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on immuno-inflammatory diseases, Aclaris's inclusion not only elevates its industry standing but may also bring additional funding support for its R&D pipeline, aiding in the development of new products to meet patient needs.
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