Sustainability Policy

I. Commitment to Sustainability

Viralgen Vector Core, S.L.U. (hereinafter Viralgen or the company) is a global leader in the development and production of AAV gene therapy vectors.

We conduct our activities under the constant challenge of deepening our understanding of AAVs to contribute to improving the quality of life for our customers/sponsors, both on a commercial scale and in advanced stages of clinical research.

We work closely with our partners, regulatory bodies and agencies, to ensure the safety and efficacy of these therapies. Our Sustainability Model is aligned with Viralgen’s purpose of providing access to healing treatments for genetic diseases. Viralgen’s mission is to support its clients from development through to the commercial manufacture of gene therapy drugs, ensuring they receive therapies of the highest quality, delivered at the right time and scale to meet the needs of patients worldwide.

In addition, we support the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, as well as the Ten Principles of the Global Compact regarding Human Rights, labour standards, environment, and anti-corruption, as outlined in our Human Rights Policy. We also set targets and mechanisms for improvement through our ESG Strategic Plan.

Corporate Social Responsibility is a fundamental pillar of our corporate culture, and this Sustainability Policy establishes a global reference framework that integrates social, economic, and governance aspects, creating long-term sustainable value for our stakeholders.

Commitment to Society

"Viralgen is committed to generating a positive impact on its stakeholders, promoting sustainable development and creating long-term value for employees, society, customers/sponsors, suppliers, and the communities in which it operates."

Employees

  • We foster an inclusive, diverse, and equitable work environment, ensuring equal opportunities regardless of gender, race, or abilities.
  • We implement policies and programs that promote personal and professional development, talent retention, and promotion through continuous training, performance evaluations, and work-life balance measures.
  • We safeguard the safety and health of professionals with whom we collaborate, directly or indirectly, promoting a safe and healthy work environment that enhances their well-being and quality of life.

Sponsor and Products

  • We ensure safety and confidentiality in the development and research of AAV gene therapies by adhering to strict ethical and regulatory protocols in our role as a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO).
  • We ensure the coordination and participation of our sponsors throughout all phases of the process so that they understand the risks and benefits through transparent and informed consent.
  • We are committed to fostering strategic partnerships with regulatory agencies, healthcare institutions, and governments to create a future where gene therapies for rare and ultra-rare diseases are more affordable, with the aim of increasing the positive impact on society.

Supply Chain

  • In line with our Human Rights Policy, we protect and promote the human rights of our employees and collaborators, as well as throughout our entire supply chain, working only with suppliers that comply with our high social, environmental, and governance standards.

Communication and Social Action

  • We maintain open and fluid communication with stakeholders in order to understand and respond to their expectations.
  • We promote transparency by providing information on the benefits of gene therapies and our sustainability initiatives.
  • We undertake to participate in social action initiatives aligned with our values and corporate culture, effectively contributing to societal well-being.

Commitment to the Environment

"Viralgen is committed to actively working to minimise its environmental impact while advancing research into innovative therapies that improve patients' quality of life."

Climate Change

  • We are committed to climate neutrality. We adopt energy efficiency measures and promote the transition to renewable energy sources to reduce our environmental impact. Moreover, we will offset emissions that we cannot eliminate through sustainable solutions, in Scopes 1 and 2, and we work with our supply chain to reduce Scope 3 emissions.

Circular Economy  

  • We segregate, store, and responsibly manage biological and hazardous waste through specific programs that ensure minimization, safe treatment, and proper disposal in compliance with local and international regulations.
  • We prioritize the sourcing of sustainable products and services that respect the environment throughout our supply chain.

Commitment to Ethics and Governance

“Viralgen is committed to integrating sustainability into its business model by ensuring the necessary resources for its proper implementation and promoting transparency with various stakeholders”

  • We are committed to maintaining sound and transparent governance and promoting best governance practices, prioritizing risk management and anticorruption efforts, as detailed in our Code of Ethics.
  • We comply with international pharmaceutical and healthcare regulations, ensuring that our gene therapies and clinical trials meet the most rigorous global safety standards throughout their development and approval cycle.
  • We ensure compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other relevant regulations in our key markets, implementing data protection systems that guarantee the security and privacy of personal and sensitive information.
  • We adopt integrity and transparency policies at all levels of the company, providing periodic updates on our sustainability and governance efforts. We regularly assess risks associated with our activities, establishing the necessary mechanisms for their minimization, thereby contributing to the company's overall sustainability.
  • We guarantee an ethical work environment, providing a confidential Whistleblowing Channel to report any breaches of our policies or behaviors contrary to our business practices, ensuring anonymity and protecting whistleblowers from any retaliation.

II. Scope of Application

The scope of this Sustainability Policy shall apply to all company employees, regardless of the contractual arrangement or the position and role they fulfil, as well as to the stakeholders who collaborate with Viralgen.

III.  Sustainability Committee

Viralgen has created a Sustainability Committee as an internal body with executive functions and responsibilities for monitoring, measuring and advising on the ESG strategy, as well as communicating the results on a regular and annual basis. It is also responsible for raising awareness among all Viralgen employees of the content, scope and implications of this Policy.

It is responsible for periodically preparing information submitted to the Board of Directors on the implementation and level of compliance with the ESG Strategic Plan and this Policy.  

IV. Related Policies

  • Code of Ethics
  • Human Rights Policy
  • Anti-Harassment Policy
  • Equal Opportunities Plan 2022-2025
  • Supplier Code of Conduct
  • Corporate Compliance Policy
  • Anti-Corruption Policy
  • Data Protection, Data Privacy, and Information Security Policies
  • GMP Certification

V. Dissemination

This Sustainability Policy is available on the company's corporate intranet for employees, as well as on Viralgen's website for various stakeholders.

VI. Approval and Monitoring

This Policy was approved by Viralgen Vector Core S.L.U's Executive Leadership Team on 13th November 2024, from which date it comes into effect. 

Please review the following rules: