Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Aclaris (ACRS) Begins Phase II Study on Eczema Candidate

Read MoreHide Full Article

Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. (ACRS - Free Report) announced that it has initiated a phase IIa study on ATI-1777, thereby beginning the clinical development of this janus kinase (JAK) 1/3 inhibitorfor the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin.

ATI-1777 is an investigational topical “soft” janus kinase (JAK) 1/3 inhibitor. It has developed internally utilizing Aclaris’ proprietary KINect drug discovery platform.

The phase IIa study will determine the efficacy, safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of ATI-1777 in patients with moderate or severe AD. The study is expected to enroll 42 subjects and will be conducted in the United States. The primary endpoint of the study will be the percentage change from baseline in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score at week 4.If approved, ATI-1777 will be able to safely and effectively treat AD while limiting systemic exposure.

Shares of the company have increased 139.2% year to date against the industry’s decline of 7.3%.

There are various companiesdeveloping products for the treatment of AD. AbbVie (ABBV - Free Report) is developing its oral JAK inhibitor, Rinvoq (upadacitinib),for patients with moderate-to-severe AD.

Zacks Rank and Stocks to Consider

Aclaris currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Some better-ranked stocks in the healthcare sector include Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (AMRX - Free Report) and AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , both carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Amneal’s earnings per share estimates have increased from 56 cents to 59 cents for 2020 and from 67 cents to 71 cents for 2021 over the past 90 days. Shares of the company have increased 8.1% year to date.

AcelRx’s loss per share estimates have narrowed from 58 cents to 44 cents for 2020 over the past 90 days. Shares of the company have decreased 18% year to date.

 

5 Stocks Set to Double

Each was hand-picked by a Zacks expert as the #1 favorite stock to gain +100% or more in 2020. Each comes from a different sector and has unique qualities and catalysts that could fuel exceptional growth. Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor.

Today, See These 5 Potential Home Runs >>

Published in