Ivey helps cut ribbon to Discovery Life Sciences global HQ in Huntsville

Calling HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology a “shining example of success,” Gov. Kay Ivey helped cut the ribbon today for the global headquarters of Discovery Life Sciences.

“In every groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting and, most importantly, every major discovery, this world-leading firm has continuously put Alabama on the map in a very big way,” she said during the ceremony at the Huntsville campus. “Make no mistake about it, HudsonAlpha is a shining example of success that can be found in Alabama.

“This is a globally renowned firm that has made numerous breakthroughs in its mission to accelerate the research and development of new therapies, diagnostics, and technology in the mobile health care industry.”

HudsonAlpha President Dr. Neil Lamb emphasized the significance of Discovery Life’s decision to place its headquarters in the city and state.

“This is one of the few global headquarters located in Huntsville and Alabama and we couldn’t be more proud to count them as part of the HudsonAlpha campus,” Lamb said. “It’s especially exciting since the origins of Discovery Life Sciences lead back to one of HudsonAlpha’s original associate companies in 2008.”

Glenn Bilawsky, CEO of Discovery Life Sciences, gave credit to all who were involved in bringing the company to the HudsonAlpha campus.

“With the support of the state, the support of HudsonAlpha, and the support of our investors the plans started for the new global headquarters building you see across the parking lot,” he said.

“It was the shared vision and tenacious commitment of everybody you’ve heard today about building a life science industry hub in Alabama.”

The facility includes a clinic for volunteer-based specimens supported by state-of-the-art biospecimen processing, cell services, molecular biology and genomic sequencing laboratories. The building also has a one-of-its-kind central nitrogen system, freezer farms, a high-density storage system and an emergency backup power system with highly flexible utility deliveries that weave the processing.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.