Last month, North Carolina passed into law House Bill 2, known as the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act or - more informally - the Charlotte bathroom bill, prohibiting individuals from using public bathrooms that do not correspond to their biological sex.
This publication questioned whether this law, described as “extreme and discriminatory” towards transgender people by civil liberty and LGBT groups, would drive away pharma investment from the traditionally-pharma friendly state after Braeburn Pharmaceuticals said it was reassessing plans to build a $20m production facility adding 52 jobs in Durham, North Carolina in light of the bill.
And now it appears North Carolina’s loss could be another state’s gain, as Braeburn CEO Behshad Sheldon told us “several states which don’t have discriminatory policies have reached out expressing interest in our business.”
Following criticism of the Bill, state Governor Pat McCrory has signed Executive Order 93 which promises to protect the sexual orientation and gender of state employees but Behshad said while this is a step in the right direction, “it does not go nearly far enough in ensuring equality for all citizens.”
She continued, saying she was encouraged by some local municipalities in North Carolina taking a strong stance against HB2.
“Durham County, the current location of our facility, recently approved unanimously a resolution condemning HB2, and it would be a shame for the citizens of Durham County to be penalized by an unjust law they do not condone.”
But for now she told us: “We are in conversation with state leaders and continue to explore all options.”
RTP
North Carolina has long been a hotbed of pharma manufacturing and R&D, with Research Triangle Park (RTP), one of the world’s largest science and research hubs, housing numerous CROs, CMOs and pharma firms.
“Nearly 60 years ago, the founders of Research Triangle Park set out to create a place that would better the lives of all North Carolinians, and move humanity forward. Today, our organization carries forth with this same generosity of spirit,” CEO of RTP Bob Geolas told in-Pharmatechnologist.com.
“Today, our organisation carries forth with this same generosity of spirit. I, along with the Board of Directors, deeply value our mission to be a convening place for North Carolinians, and strive to create an environment that is inclusive and welcoming to all.
“Diversity, not only in thought but in experience and perspective, will create a stronger economy and shared future for our state. Together, we must keep moving forward.”