Introduction

In the rapidly evolving world of pharma, Cosette Pharmaceuticals stands out for its remarkable transformation. Cosette is a dynamic player in the industry that has undergone significant change from its beginnings. What was once a dermatology and generics-only company has now emerged as a branded pharma organization after a transformative acquisition in 2018. With its state-of-the-art manufacturing site located in Lincolnton, North Carolina, Cosette has become a beacon of innovation.

With a dedicated workforce of approximately 350 employees, Cosette operates at the forefront of the pharmaceutical landscape, creating life-changing products that make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals.

Cosette's success is further amplified by its strategic partnerships with buyers who acquire their pharmaceutical products for distribution to major retail chains such as CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Walmart, and more. Through these collaborations, Cosette's products reach a vast consumer base, positively impacting lives across the nation.

Challenge

As Cosette experienced rapid growth, they embarked on a journey that prompted the search for a trusted IT and cyber & risk partner that could provide clear strategic direction. Their impressive transformation into a prominent branded pharmaceutical company brought to light the importance of addressing certain aspects of their operations. This led Cosette to consider a more robust and forward-looking approach to their IT and security needs.

Firstly, Cosette required a solution that adequately met their evolving needs. The rapid growth of Cosette demanded a sophisticated and scalable IT infrastructure that could seamlessly support their operations. Cosette sought a partner who could provide clear strategic direction and innovative solutions tailored to their unique requirements.

Secondly, to proactively assess the security of their infrastructure, Cosette’s board of directors requested a thorough penetration test. It was a crucial step to identify vulnerabilities and fortify their defenses against potential cyber threats. In their search for a partner to conduct the penetration test, Cosette was introduced to Lloyd – a reputable and experienced IT consulting firm providing personalized, enterprise-level IT strategy, cybersecurity & risk management, and support for small to mid-sized businesses.

The partnership between Cosette and Lloyd began in 2020 with the completion of their first penetration test. Over the course of ten months, Cosette and Lloyd worked closely to build and establish a strong relationship.

Ten months after the initial pen test, Cosette made the decision to bring Lloyd on board as their Managed Services Provider (MSP). This decision underscored the strong relationship the two had built and the trust Cosette had developed in Lloyd's ability to provide ongoing support and clear strategic direction.

“As Cosette Pharmaceuticals evolved, our rapid growth presented us with a unique set of challenges. We needed a solution that not only aligned with our evolving needs but also paved the way for a more robust and secure future. Lloyd's comprehensive approach to understanding our business and IT pains, coupled with their strategic guidance, was crucial in helping us navigate these challenges effectively.” – Ganesh Pillarisetti, VP of Information Technology at Cosette Pharmaceuticals.

Solution

To address Cosette’s challenges and provide strategic guidance, Lloyd stepped in as their trusted partner. Lloyd’s security-first approach ensured tailored solutions that directly addressed Cosette’s specific needs, while also fostering a strong relationship of trust and collaboration. After conducting the initial pen test, Lloyd initiated a project with Cosette to transform their IT infrastructure and security through the development of an IT Roadmap.

Lloyd’s focus on providing clear strategic direction began with gaining a deep understanding of Cosette’s pain points, areas for improvement, and overall corporate goals. Recognizing the importance of aligning the IT strategy with broader business objectives, Lloyd scheduled multiple calls with key staff members and decision makers at Cosette. These discussions provided invaluable opportunities for Lloyd to thoroughly review the business and IT pains, enabling them to formulate recommendations that directly addressed Cosette's unique requirements. The Lloyd team dedicated significant time and effort to engage with different stakeholders, ensuring a holistic understanding of Cosette's challenges and objectives.

To assess the existing IT environment and security posture, Lloyd conducted a comprehensive audit. By thoroughly analyzing their IT environment, Lloyd gained a comprehensive understanding of Cosette's current state, allowing them to design a robust IT roadmap that would pave the way for a clear and strategic path forward.

Throughout the collaboration, regular communication and transparency were paramount. Lloyd and Cosette held weekly meetings, providing updates on the consulting engagement’s progress to ensure that both parties remained accountable. To facilitate effective communication, Lloyd shared a progress report with Cosette each week. This report highlighted completed tasks, open items, and outlined the next steps to be discussed during the weekly meeting. By prioritizing regular and transparent communication, Lloyd showcased their commitment to responsiveness, enabling proactive decision-making for the success of the partnership.

After careful consideration of Cosette's unique needs, Lloyd delivered a robust IT Roadmap with a focus on IT Governance and IT Management. This comprehensive document encompassed a strategic vision and a step-by-step plan to guide Cosette in implementing their IT strategy. Lloyd's consultants presented the IT Roadmap to Cosette, covering each recommendation including ongoing governance, cybersecurity & risk, infrastructure and cloud, communications, applications, and IT operations.

By leveraging their deep understanding of Cosette's challenges, pains, and corporate objectives, Lloyd's IT Strategy provided Cosette with a clear roadmap for continued success. With this comprehensive plan, Cosette implemented the recommended changes, optimizing their IT infrastructure and setting the foundation for future growth and success.

Results

The partnership between Cosette and Lloyd has yielded exceptional results, demonstrating Lloyd’s brand promises of responsiveness, clear strategic direction, and building strong relationships. The results of the partnership extend beyond immediate solutions and security enhancements. With Lloyd's strategic guidance and security-first approach, the IT Roadmap not only provided solutions to the key IT functions covered in the roadmap, including cybersecurity & risk management solutions to help reduce Cosette's business risk, but also laid the foundation for a long-term partnership that would serve Cosette's evolving needs.

Since developing a strong relationship with Lloyd, Cosette has continued to grow rapidly. Armed with a well-defined roadmap, Cosette has continued to make meaningful contributions to the lives of countless individuals.

By bringing Lloyd on board as their trusted partner, Cosette has gained a strategic ally who serves as an extension of their team and will continue to provide ongoing support, strategic guidance, and innovative solutions to meet their evolving needs. In return, Lloyd has gained a trusted partner in Cosette, one they’re proud to work with today and in the future.

“Our partnership with Lloyd has delivered exceptional results. Beyond immediate solutions and security enhancements, the IT Roadmap has been a game-changer. It not only fortified our IT functions, including critical cybersecurity and risk management measures, but also laid the foundation for a resilient long-term partnership. With Lloyd's partnership, we've continued to evolve, positively impacting countless lives.” – Ganesh Pillarisetti, VP of Information Technology at Cosette Pharmaceuticals.

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