BioCryst Pharmaceuticals has announced plans to close its Birmingham research facility as part of a broader shift in the company’s business strategy.
Company Shifts Research Focus
The North Carolina-based pharmaceutical company said it will discontinue its internal drug discovery programs and close its Discovery Center of Excellence in Birmingham by the end of 2026.
Company leaders explained that BioCryst will now focus on advancing its pipeline through external research partnerships rather than conducting early-stage discovery work in-house. Executives believe this approach will better support the company’s long-term growth and rare disease research efforts.
Birmingham Facility Has Deep Company Roots
BioCryst was founded in Birmingham before relocating its corporate headquarters to North Carolina in 2011. Even after the move, the Birmingham facility continued to play an important role in scientific research and the development of new drug compounds.
Company officials thanked employees for their contributions and said they plan to support affected workers during the transition. BioCryst has not announced how many Birmingham employees will lose their jobs as a result of the closure.
Operations to End by Year-End
The company expects to complete the closure of its Birmingham Discovery Center of Excellence before the end of 2026. BioCryst employed more than 430 people companywide at the end of last year, although the number of employees working at the Birmingham site has not been disclosed.
The decision marks the end of the company’s internal research operations in the city where it was founded, while BioCryst continues to pursue future drug development through outside collaborations.
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