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EXCEL - IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT - aTYR PHARMA INC | Financial_Report.xls |
10-Q - FORM 10-Q - aTYR PHARMA INC | d933897d10q.htm |
EX-32.2 - EX-32.2 - aTYR PHARMA INC | d933897dex322.htm |
EX-31.2 - EX-31.2 - aTYR PHARMA INC | d933897dex312.htm |
EX-31.1 - EX-31.1 - aTYR PHARMA INC | d933897dex311.htm |
EX-32.1 - EX-32.1 - aTYR PHARMA INC | d933897dex321.htm |
Exhibit 14.1
ATYR PHARMA, INC.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Introduction
Purpose and Scope
The Board of Directors of aTyr Pharma, Inc. (the Company) established this Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (this Code) to aid the Companys directors, officers and employees in making ethical and legal decisions when conducting the Companys business and performing their day-to-day duties.
The Companys Board of Directors (the Board) or a committee of the Board is responsible for administering the Code. The Board has delegated day-to-day responsibility for administering and interpreting the Code to a Compliance Officer. Our Vice President, Legal Affairs has been appointed the Companys Compliance Officer under this Code.
The Company expects its directors, officers and employees to exercise reasonable judgment when conducting the Companys business. The Company encourages its directors, officers and employees to refer to this Code frequently to ensure that they are acting within both the letter and the spirit of this Code. The Company also understands that this Code will not contain the answer to every situation you may encounter or every concern you may have about conducting the Companys business ethically and legally. In these situations, or if you otherwise have questions or concerns about this Code, the Company encourages each officer and employee to speak with his or her supervisor (if applicable) or, if you are uncomfortable doing that, with the Compliance Officer under this Code.
Contents of this Code
This Code has two sections which follow this Introduction. The first section, Standards of Conduct, contains the actual guidelines that our directors, officers and employees are expected to adhere to in the conduct of the Companys business. The second section, Compliance Procedures, contains specific information about how this Code functions including who administers this Code, who can provide guidance under this Code and how violations may be reported, investigated and punished. This section also contains a discussion about waivers of and amendments to this Code.
A Note About Other Obligations
The Companys directors, officers and employees generally have other legal and contractual obligations to the Company. This Code is not intended to reduce or limit the other obligations that you may have to the Company. Instead, the standards in this Code should be viewed as the minimum standards that the Company expects from its directors, officers and employees in the conduct of the Companys business.
Standards of Conduct
Conflicts of Interest
The Company recognizes and respects the right of its directors, officers and employees to engage in outside activities which they may deem proper and desirable, provided that these activities do not impair or interfere with the performance of their duties to the Company or their ability to act in the Companys best interests. In most, if not all, cases this will mean that our directors, officers and employees must avoid situations that present a potential or actual conflict between their personal interests and the Companys interests.
A conflict of interest occurs when a directors, officers or employees personal interest interferes with the Companys interests. Conflicts of interest may arise in many situations. For example, conflicts of interest can arise when a director, officer or employee takes an action or has an outside interest, responsibility or obligation that may make it difficult for him or her to perform the responsibilities of his or her position objectively and/or effectively in the Companys best interests. Conflicts of interest may also occur when a director, officer or employee or his or her immediate family member receives some personal benefit (whether improper or not) as a result of the directors, officers or employees position with the Company. Each individuals situation is different and in evaluating his or her own situation, a director, officer or employee will have to consider many factors.
Any material transaction or relationship that reasonably could be expected to give rise to a conflict of interest should be reported promptly to the Compliance Officer. The Compliance Officer may notify the Board or a committee thereof as he or she deems appropriate. Actual or potential conflicts of interest involving a director or executive officer other than the Compliance Officer should be disclosed directly to the Compliance Officer. Actual or potential conflicts of interest involving the Compliance Officer should be disclosed directly to the Chief Executive Officer.
Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations
The Company seeks to conduct its business in compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. No director, officer or employee shall engage in any unlawful activity in conducting the Companys business or in performing his or her day-to-day company duties, nor shall any director, officer or employee instruct others to do so.
Protection and Proper Use of the Companys Assets
The Companys assets include its intellectual property rights and Company equipment, among other items. Loss, theft and misuse of the Companys assets has a direct impact on the Companys business and its profitability. Employees, officers and directors are expected to protect the Companys assets that are entrusted to them and to protect the Companys assets in general. Employees, officers and directors are also expected to take steps to ensure that the Companys assets are used only for legitimate business purposes.
Corporate Opportunities
Employees, officers and directors owe a duty to the Company to advance its legitimate business interests when the opportunity to do so arises. Each employee, officer and director is prohibited from:
| diverting to himself or herself or to others any opportunities that are discovered through the use of the Companys property or information or as a result of his or her position with the Company unless such opportunity has first been presented to, and rejected by, the Company; |
| using the Companys property or information or his or her position for improper personal gain; or |
| competing with the Company. |
Confidentiality
Confidential information generated and gathered in the Companys business plays a vital role in the Companys business, prospects and ability to compete. Confidential information includes all non-public information that might be of use to competitors or harmful to the Company or its customers if disclosed. Directors, officers and employees may not disclose or distribute the Companys confidential information, except when disclosure is authorized by the Company or required by applicable law, rule or regulation or pursuant to an applicable legal proceeding. Directors, officers and employees shall use confidential information solely for legitimate company purposes. Directors, officers and employees must return all of the Companys confidential and/or proprietary information in their possession to the Company when they cease to be employed by or to otherwise serve the Company.
Fair Dealing
Competing vigorously, yet lawfully, with competitors and establishing advantageous, but fair, business relationships with customers and suppliers is a part of the foundation for long-term success. However, unlawful and unethical conduct, which may lead to short-term gains, may damage a companys reputation and long-term business prospects. Accordingly, it is the Companys policy that directors, officers and employees must endeavor to deal ethically and lawfully with the Companys collaborators, customers, suppliers, competitors and employees in all business dealings on the Companys behalf. No director, officer or employee should take unfair advantage of another person in business dealings on the Companys behalf through the abuse of privileged or confidential information or through improper manipulation, concealment or misrepresentation of material facts.
Accuracy of Records
The integrity, reliability and accuracy in all material respects of the Companys books, records and financial statements is fundamental to the Companys continued and future business success. No director, officer or employee may cause the Company to enter into a transaction with the intent to document or record it in a deceptive or unlawful manner. In addition, no
director, officer or employee may create any false or artificial documentation or book entry for any transaction entered into by the Company. Similarly, officers and employees who have responsibility for accounting and financial reporting matters have a responsibility to accurately record all funds, assets and transactions on the Companys books and records.
Quality of Public Disclosures
The Company is committed to providing its stockholders with complete and accurate information about its financial condition and results of operations as required by the securities laws of the United States. It is the Companys policy that the reports and documents it files with or submits to the Securities and Exchange Commission, and its earnings releases and similar public communications made by the Company, include fair, timely and understandable disclosure. Officers and employees who are responsible for these filings and disclosures, including the Companys principal executive, financial and accounting officers, must use reasonable judgment and perform their responsibilities honestly, ethically and objectively in order to ensure that this disclosure policy is fulfilled. The Companys senior management are primarily responsible for monitoring the Companys public disclosure.
Political Contributions/Gifts
Business contributions to political campaigns are strictly regulated by federal, state, provincial and local law in the United States, Canada and other jurisdictions. Accordingly, all political contributions proposed to be made with the Companys funds must be coordinated through and approved by the Compliance Officer. Directors, officers and employees may not, without the approval of the Compliance Officer, use any of the Companys funds for political contributions of any kind to any political candidate or holder of any national, state, provincial or local government office. Directors, officers and employees may make personal contributions, but should not represent that he or she is making any such contribution on the Companys behalf. Similar restrictions on political contributions may apply in other countries. Specific questions should be directed to the Compliance Officer.
Bribes, Kickbacks and Other Improper Payments
The Company does not permit or condone bribes, kickbacks or other improper payments, transfers or receipts. No director, officer or employee should offer, give, solicit or receive any money or other item of value for the purpose of obtaining, retaining or directing business or bestowing or receiving any kind of favored treatment. In particular, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) prohibits any U.S. individual or business from authorizing, offering or paying money or anything of value, directly or indirectly, to any foreign official or employee, political party, or candidate for public office for the purpose of obtaining or maintaining business or for any other business advantage. Violation of the FCPA could subject the Company and its individual directors, officers and employees to serious fines and criminal penalties.
International Trade Controls
Many countries regulate international trade transactions, such as imports, exports and international financial transactions. In addition, the United States prohibits any cooperation with boycotts against countries friendly to the United States or against firms that may be blacklisted
by certain groups or countries. It is the Companys policy to comply with these laws and regulations even if it may result in the loss of some business opportunities. Employees should learn and understand the extent to which U.S. and international trade controls apply to transactions conducted by the Company.
Compliance Procedures
Communication of Code
All directors, officers and employees will be supplied with a copy of the Code upon the later of the Boards adoption of the Code or beginning service at the Company. Updates of the Code will be provided from time to time. A copy of the Code is also available to all directors, officers and employees by requesting one from the human resources department or by accessing the Companys website at www.atyrpharma.com.
Monitoring Compliance and Disciplinary Action
The Companys management, under the supervision of its Board or a committee thereof or, in the case of accounting, internal accounting controls, auditing or securities law matters, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the Audit Committee), shall take reasonable steps from time to time to (i) monitor compliance with the Code, and (ii) when appropriate, impose and enforce appropriate disciplinary measures for violations of the Code.
Disciplinary measures for violations of the Code will be determined in the Companys sole discretion and may include, but are not limited to, counseling, oral or written reprimands, warnings, probation or suspension with or without pay, demotions, reductions in salary, termination of employment or service, and restitution.
The Companys management shall periodically report to the Board or a committee thereof on these compliance efforts including, without limitation, periodic reporting of alleged violations of the Code and the actions taken with respect to any such violation.
Reporting Concerns/Receiving Advice
Communication Channels
Be Proactive. Every employee is encouraged to act proactively by asking questions, seeking guidance and reporting suspected violations of the Code and other policies and procedures of the Company, as well as any violation or suspected violation of applicable law, rule or regulation arising in the conduct of the Companys business or occurring on the Companys property. If any employee believes that actions have taken place, may be taking place, or may be about to take place that violate or would violate the Code or any law, rule or regulation applicable to the Company, he or she is obligated to bring the matter to the attention of the Company.
Seeking Guidance. The best starting point for an officer or employee seeking advice on ethics-related issues or reporting potential violations of the Code will usually be his or her supervisor. However, if the conduct in question involves his or her supervisor, if the employee
has reported the conduct in question to his or her supervisor and does not believe that he or she has dealt with it properly, or if the officer or employee does not feel that he or she can discuss the matter with his or her supervisor, the employee may raise the matter with the Compliance Officer.
Our whistleblower hotline number is 1-855-405-6642. There is also an online reporting option: http://atyrpharma.ethicspoint.com.
Communication Alternatives. Any officer or employee may communicate with the Compliance Officer, or report potential violations of the Code, by any of the following methods:
| By e-mail to nkrueger@atyrpharma.com (anonymity cannot be maintained); |
| In writing (which may be done anonymously as set forth below under Anonymity), addressed to the Compliance Officer, by U.S. mail to c/o aTyr Pharma, Inc., 3545 John Hopkins Court, Suite #250, San Diego, CA 92121; or |
| Online at http://atyrpharma.ethicspoint.com (which may be done anonymously as set forth below under Anonymity). |
Reporting Accounting and Similar Concerns. Any concerns or questions regarding any potential violations of the Code, any company policy or procedure or applicable law, rules or regulations that involves accounting, internal accounting controls, auditing or securities law (including FCPA) matters will be directed to the Audit Committee or a designee of the Audit Committee in accordance with the procedures established by the Audit Committee for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters. Officers and employees may also communicate directly with the Audit Committee or its designee regarding such matters by the following methods (which may be done anonymously as set forth below under Anonymity):
| By e-mail to auditcommitteechair@atyrpharma.com (anonymity cannot be maintained); |
| In writing (which may be done anonymously as set forth below under Anonymity), addressed to the Chairperson of the Audit Committee, by U.S. mail to c/o aTyr Pharma, Inc., 3545 John Hopkins Court, Suite #250, San Diego, CA 92121; or |
| Online at http://atyrpharma.ethicspoint.com (which may be done anonymously as set forth below under Anonymity). |
Cooperation. Employees are expected to cooperate with the Company in any investigation of a potential violation of the Code, any other company policy or procedure, or any applicable law, rule or regulation.
Misuse of Reporting Channels. Employees must not use these reporting channels in bad faith or in a false or frivolous manner or to report grievances that do not involve the Code or other ethics-related issues.
Director Communications. In addition to the foregoing methods, a director may also communicate concerns or seek advice with respect to this Code by contacting the Board through its Chairperson or the Audit Committee.
Anonymity
When reporting suspected violations of the Code, the Company prefers that officers and employees identify themselves to facilitate the Companys ability to take appropriate steps to address the report, including conducting any appropriate investigation. However, the Company also recognizes that some people may feel more comfortable reporting a suspected violation anonymously.
If an officer or employee wishes to remain anonymous, he or she may do so, and the Company will use reasonable efforts to protect the confidentiality of the reporting person subject to applicable law, rule or regulation or to any applicable legal proceedings. In the event the report is made anonymously, however, the Company may not have sufficient information to look into or otherwise investigate or evaluate the allegations. Accordingly, persons who make reports anonymously should provide as much detail as is reasonably necessary to permit the Company to evaluate the matter(s) set forth in the anonymous report and, if appropriate, commence and conduct an appropriate investigation.
No Retaliation
The Company expressly forbids any retaliation against any officer or employee who, acting in good faith on the basis of a reasonable belief, reports suspected misconduct. Specifically, the Company will not discharge, demote, suspend, threaten, harass or in any other manner discriminate against, such an officer or employee in the terms and conditions of his or her employment. Any person who participates in any such retaliation is subject to disciplinary action, including termination.
Waivers and Amendments
No waiver of any provisions of the Code for the benefit of a director or an executive officer (which includes without limitation, for purposes of this Code, the Companys principal executive, financial and accounting officers) shall be effective unless (i) approved by the Board or, if permitted, the Audit Committee, and (ii) if applicable, such waiver is promptly disclosed to the Companys stockholders in accordance with applicable U.S. securities laws and/or the rules and regulations of the exchange or system on which the Companys shares are traded or quoted, as the case may be.
Any waivers of the Code for other employees may be made by the Compliance Officer, the Board or, if permitted, the Audit Committee.
All amendments to the Code must be approved by the Board or the Audit Committee and, if applicable, must be promptly disclosed to the Companys stockholders in accordance with applicable U.S. securities laws and the Stock Market Rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC, as the case may be.
ADOPTED: April 25, 2015
EFFECTIVE: May 6, 2015