BioCryst Southern Surge: The Hoover City Council rolled out the welcome mat for BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, granting $1.8 million in tax breaks for their $22 million expansion venture in Riverchase. The biotech company plans to enlarge its Discovery Center of Excellence, adding 20,000 square feet to its lab space. This expansion will not only increase the company’s footprint to 49,000 square feet but will also bring about 70 PhD-level jobs in the next two years, with an average salary of $172,000, injecting over $11.5 million annually into the local economy.
In return for these tax breaks, BioCryst will contribute to Hoover City Schools through increased property taxes, approximately $97,000 per year over the next decade. The construction-related sales and use tax relief is part of the package, while building permit fees are expected to generate an additional $252,000 in revenue for the city. Greg Knighton, Hoover’s economic development manager, hailed the project as a “home-run,” aligning perfectly with Hoover’s targeted growth sectorlife science.
BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, founded in Birmingham in 1986, has its roots deeply embedded in Alabama. Despite having headquarters split between Durham, North Carolina, and Dublin, Ireland, the company’s research and development hub remains steadfast in Hoover. The city’s support has been crucial in BioCryst’s mission to expedite discoveries and deliver life-changing therapies globally.
Beyond BioCryst’s success, the Hoover City Council is on a mission to bolster innovation. They recently secured a $200,000 grant from Innovate Alabama Network to explore the feasibility of establishing a health technology district in Riverchase Corporate Park. This initiative aims to build on the success of companies like BioCryst and attract more health care and biotech businesses to the region. The study will focus on strategic planning, regional collaboration, and potential connectivity to natural assets like the Cahaba River.
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The Innovate Alabama Network sees this as a significant step in fostering an entrepreneurial and innovative environment statewide. Hoover, recognized as one of the 11 communities in the network, is set to leverage this support to catalyze entrepreneurship, both in rural and urban communities.
In other notable actions, the Hoover City Council greenlit additional funding for a stormwater drainage improvement project, approved community service agreements with several nonprofits, and accepted grants to enhance the city’s infrastructure and festive decorations. The council’s commitment to supporting businesses, fostering innovation, and improving the community’s overall well-being is evident in its proactive decisions.
This article encapsulates Hoover’s dedication to economic growth, innovation, and community welfare, showcasing the city as a thriving hub for biotech advancements and entrepreneurial endeavors.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Is BCRX a good stock to buy?
Biocryst Pharmaceuticals has received a Strong Buy rating from 10 Wall Street Analysts. To take advantage of exclusive account opening deals, consider opening a brokerage account through our Best Online Brokers page.
What kind of company is BioCryst?
BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc, a biotechnology firm, creates and perfects small molecule drugs to inhibit essential enzymes in the development of diseases.
Why is BCRX dropping?
BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc. has made the decision to stop the development of the drug BCX9930, which was in the process of being tested as a treatment for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. This announcement has caused shares of BioCryst to drop by 5% in premarket trading on Thursday.
1. The Vanguard Group, Inc. hold a 7.28% stake in BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc. with 14,900,121 shares.
2. BlackRock Fund Advisors own 6.97% of the company with 14,269,588 shares.
3. Baker Bros. Advisors LP possess a 6.21% stake, holding 12,710,818 shares.
4. Avoro Capital Advisor LLC has a 5.64% ownership, with 11,550,000 shares.
5. Several other stakeholders round out the top 10.