Aclaris ATI-2138 Shows Superior Efficacy in Hair Loss Treatment
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 27 2026
0mins
Should l Buy ACRS?
Source: Benzinga
- 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.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy ACRS?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on ACRS
Wall Street analysts forecast ACRS stock price to rise
3 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 4.250
Low
8.00
Averages
11.33
High
16.00
Current: 4.250
Low
8.00
Averages
11.33
High
16.00
About ACRS
Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company. The Company is engaged in developing novel small and large molecule product candidates for immuno-inflammatory diseases. Its proprietary KINect drug discovery platform coupled with its integrated discovery approach to small and large molecules enables the Company to identify and advance product candidates. It provides contract research services to third parties enabled by its early-stage research and development expertise. The contract research segment is engaged in the provision of laboratory services. Its product candidate pipeline includes Bosakitug (ATI-045), ATI-2138 and ATI-052. The Bosakitug (ATI-045) is an investigational, novel, 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. Its other investigational product candidate is Lepzacitinib (ATI-1777).
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.
- Executive Participation: Aclaris' CEO Neal Walker and senior leadership will participate in the H.C. Wainwright 4th Annual Inflammatory Skin Disease Virtual Conference on April 14, 2026, showcasing the company's advancements in immuno-inflammatory diseases and aiming to enhance investor and public awareness of its R&D pipeline.
- Webcast Availability: The event will be accessible via a live and archived webcast on Aclaris' website for at least 30 days post-event, providing investors with convenient access to information and enhancing the company's transparency and public trust.
- R&D Pipeline Focus: Aclaris is dedicated to developing novel product candidates for immuno-inflammatory diseases, addressing the urgent need for effective treatment options, which highlights the company's innovative capabilities and market potential in the biopharmaceutical sector.
- Strategic Positioning: By participating in such industry conferences, Aclaris not only showcases its R&D strength but also strengthens connections with investors and industry experts, paving the way for future financing and collaboration opportunities.
See More
- Significant Clinical Outcomes: At the 2026 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, Aclaris reported that patients receiving ATI-2138 showed a 77% improvement in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores over 12 weeks, highlighting the drug's potential in treating atopic dermatitis.
- Multiple Metrics Improvement: The treatment group experienced a 70% improvement in affected body surface area, a 50% reduction in Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (PP-NRS) scores, and a 65% enhancement in Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), further validating ATI-2138's broad applicability in immuno-inflammatory diseases.
- Good Tolerability: ATI-2138 demonstrated excellent tolerability at a low dose of 10 mg BID, achieving near-complete ITK target occupancy, which may reduce drug burden and enhance dosing flexibility for patients.
- Research and Development Potential: Aclaris's pipeline indicates that ATI-2138 is not only effective in atopic dermatitis but also holds promise for other immune-inflammatory diseases reliant on T cell function, supporting its potential as a best-in-class therapy.
See More
- Disappointing Earnings: Aclaris Therapeutics reported a Q4 GAAP EPS of -$0.16, missing expectations by $0.02, indicating ongoing pressure on profitability that may affect investor confidence.
- Significant Revenue Decline: The company generated $1.3 million in revenue, an 85.9% year-over-year drop, falling short of the expected $0.77 million, reflecting weak market demand and sales challenges that could strain future cash flow.
- Decreased Cash Reserves: As of December 31, 2025, Aclaris had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaling $151.4 million, down from $203.9 million in 2024, highlighting pressures on operational and R&D expenditures.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Despite poor financial results, Aclaris reported positive interim results from the ATI-052 Phase 1a trial, potentially laying the groundwork for future therapeutic advantages and demonstrating the company's R&D potential.
See More
- 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.
See More

- 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.
See More









