Dr. Changelian will review the history of drug discovery targeting Janus kinase (JAK) enzymes. JAK inhibitors initially were conceived as drugs to reduce organ transplant rejection but gradually were found to have utility in autoimmune diseases and oncology. Harnessing the benefits of JAK inhibition for dermatological conditions will require minimizing the potential for over suppression of the immune system and subsequent infections, through strategies such as identifying molecules highly selective for JAK1 and JAK3 inhibition or developing topical formulations with high skin permeability while minimizing systemic absorption. Current efforts to expand the range of diseases that could be targeted with JAK inhibitors will be discussed with emphasis on hair disorders, including alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia.
Dr. Changelian is known for his key role in the discovery and development of tofacitinib, a pan-JAK inhibitor, while working as a scientist at Pfizer. In 1993, he first heard about the
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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 "believe", "expect", "may", "plan," "potential," "will," and similar expressions, and are based on Aclaris' current beliefs and expectations. These forward-looking statements include expectations regarding Aclaris’ clinical development of its JAK inhibitor drug candidates. 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, 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
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Corporate Strategy/Investor Relations
484-329-2140
mtung@aclaristx.com
Source: Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc.