8. Restructuring

During the second quarter of 2015, our Board of Directors authorized, and we implemented a restructuring plan, which included a reduction in work force as part of the overall plan to reduce the Company’s long-term cost structure. As a result of ongoing initiatives associated with this restructuring, we recorded a net benefit of $0.8 million in the first quarter of 2017, of which $0.9 million of benefit was classified as research in development within our consolidated statement of operations, offset by $0.1 million of expense classified as general and administrative within our consolidated statement of operations. As of March 31, 2017, the remaining liability related to the restructuring is $17.2 million and is expected to be paid out over the next 5.2 years.

The following table presents the restructuring plan activity for the first quarter of 2017 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2017
Restructuring liability - beginning of period	$	19,388
Restructuring expense and adjustments		(800	)
Cash payments		(1,384	)
Restructuring liability - end of period	$	17,204