ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY

 

We believe cybersecurity is critical to advancing our technological developments. As a biopharmaceutical company, we face a multitude of cybersecurity threats that range from attacks common to most industries, such as ransomware and denial-of service. Our customers, suppliers, subcontractors, and business partners face similar cybersecurity threats, and a cybersecurity incident impacting us or any of these entities could materially adversely affect our business strategy, performance, and results of operations. These cybersecurity threats and related risks make it imperative that we expend resources on cybersecurity.

 

Risk Management

 

We engage third-party services to conduct evaluations of our security controls, whether through penetration testing, independent audits, or consulting on best practices to address new challenges. We have established cybersecurity security awareness training and ongoing monitoring.

 

In the event of an incident, we intend to follow our cybersecurity incident response plan, which outlines the steps to be followed from incident detection to mitigation, and notification. We contract with external firms that have extensive information technology and program management experience. We have implemented a governance structure and processes to assess, identify, manage, and report cybersecurity risks. As a biopharmaceutical company, we must comply with extensive regulations, including requirements imposed by the Federal Drug Administration related to adequately safeguarding patient information and reporting cybersecurity incidents to the SEC. We believe we are positioned to meet the requirements of the SEC. In addition to following SEC guidance and implementing pre-existing third party frameworks, we have developed our own practices and frameworks, which we believe enhance our ability to identify and manage cybersecurity risks. Assessing, identifying, and managing cybersecurity related risks are factored into our overall business approach. We rely heavily on our supply chain to deliver our products and services, and a cybersecurity incident at a clinical site, subcontractor, or business partner could materially adversely impact us. We require that our subcontractors report cybersecurity incidents to us so that we can assess the direct impact of the incident.

 

Governance

 

The Audit Committee has oversight responsibility for risks and incidents relating to cybersecurity threats, including compliance with disclosure requirements, cooperation with law enforcement, and related effects on financial and other risks, and it reports any findings and recommendations, as appropriate, to the full Board for consideration. Senior management regularly discusses cyber risks and trends and, should they arise, any material incidents with the Audit Committee.

 

While we have not experienced any material cybersecurity threats or incidents in recent years, there can be no guarantee that we will not be the subject of future threats or incidents. Notwithstanding the extensive approach we take to cybersecurity, we may not be successful in preventing or mitigating a cybersecurity incident that could have a material adverse effect on us. While we maintain cybersecurity insurance, the costs related to cybersecurity threats or disruptions may not be fully insured. See “Risk Factors” for a discussion of cybersecurity risks.