Aclaris Stock Soars As Analysts See Fresh Momentum After Strategic Review And Encouraging Promising Pipeline Developments
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On Monday, Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACRS) entered into an exclusive license agreement with Biosion Inc for worldwide rights (excluding Greater China) to BSI-045B and BSI-502, a preclinical-stage, novel bispecific antibody directed against both TSLP and IL4R.
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.
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 severe asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, accelerating the potential to show proof-of-concept across additional indications.
Under the terms of the agreement, Biosion shall receive over $40 million cash payment as an upfront license fee and reimbursement for certain development costs & drug product materials.
Biosion shall also receive 19.9% shares of Aclaris Therapeutics.
Additional regulatory and sales milestone payments exceed $900 million, with tiered low-to-mid single-digit royalty payments based on a percentage of annual net sales.
Leerink Partners upgraded Aclaris from Market Perform to Outperform, with a price target of $7, up from $2.
The analyst writes, “Following completion of their strategic review, we expect investor focus to shift to ACRS’ newly strengthened immunology-focused pipeline.”
Leerink writes that these updates mark a fresh start for Aclaris Therapeutics, with a clear strategic direction and promising catalysts in the next 6-12 months. This progress could reduce risks for BSI-045B and significantly enhance its value.
The analyst has updated the model to include BSI-045 B’s potential in atopic dermatitis (AD), estimating around $1.3 billion in revenue by 2035 with a 35% probability of success. The analyst also anticipates multiple Phase 2 trial results from China in asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, which could provide more insight into BSI-045 B’s potential.
Additionally, Leerink expects further progress in de-risking the company’s pipeline in the first half of next year.
BTIG upgrades Aclaris Therapeutics from Neutral to Buy and announces a $8 price target.
Price Action: ACRS stock is up 55.60% at $4.88 at the last check on Tuesday.
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Latest Ratings for ACRS
Date | Firm | Action | From | To |
---|---|---|---|---|
Jun 2021 | HC Wainwright & Co. | Maintains | Buy | |
Jun 2021 | Piper Sandler | Initiates Coverage On | Overweight | |
Apr 2021 | HC Wainwright & Co. | Initiates Coverage On | Buy |
View More Analyst Ratings for ACRS