Southern Research opened a new $98 million biotechnology center in downtown Birmingham, expanding its 150,000 square foot facility to advance drug discovery and combat chronic illnesses, cancer, and infectious diseases.
The facility is expected to create 100 direct jobs and generate $80 million in economic growth over the next 3-5 years while serving clients including the U.S. Department of Defense and pharmaceutical companies.
Alabama officials positioned Birmingham as "the biotech valley of this country," with the Alabama Legislature contributing $45 million to the project alongside funding from local governments and federal economic development programs.
The nonprofit research organization, operating in Birmingham since 1941, will focus on discovering new molecules and medicines while assisting pharmaceutical clients in therapeutic development for high-impact diseases.