The challenges facing publicly traded life sciences companies include stock prices that are subject to extreme volatility and fluctuations, often unrelated or disproportionate to the performance or value of these companies. In this environment, events regarding the drugs being developed or sold by these companies, such as clinical trial results or regulatory communications, and the disclosure of these events, are subject to increased scrutiny. Stock sales by company insiders are also subject to questions after the fact if stock prices drop.

Senior management and boards of public companies in this sector must understand the complex universe of securities laws and rules of corporate governance in this context, as government agencies, regulatory bodies and private litigants are more and more often aggressively pursuing claims against individuals and entities after unfavorable events and stock price declines.

Bringing a depth of experience and insight from advising companies and their boards, speakers from EY and WilmerHale will reflect on trends in securities litigation and enforcement and will provide guidance and best practices for anticipating these issues and protecting against negative consequences from them.