Dive Brief:
- Braebrun Pharmaceuticals will move ahead with building a manufacturing and research facility in Durham, North Carolina, after previously saying it would reconsider its plans because of a state law overturning local ordinances barring discrimination against LGBT individuals.
- Braeburn said it had “seriously considered” moving its facility to another state because of the law, known as HB2, but decided it could better promote equality by working within the community.
- The 33,940 square-foot facility will support 52 jobs, according to the company and will produce finished products for Braeburn’s pipeline products.
Dive Insight:
Braeburn said North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory had met with CEO Behshad Sheldon to encourage the company to continue with its plans. The lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice in North Carolina court against HB2 also factored into Braeburn’s decision to stay.
“We will also advocate for progressive public policy, do our part to help overturn HB2, and support those who share our commitments to diversity and non-discrimination,” said Sheldon.
“Battling stigma is central to our mission as we develop medicines for people with opioid addiction, we cannot and will not support stigmatization of any member of our society."
Braeburn has a product pipeline of long-acting implantable and injectable therapies to treat opioid addiction, pain and schizophrenia.
The Research Triangle Park has a strong talent pool for biotech companies and is a hub for a number of other firms.
The facility is expected to be operational in early 2017.