Historic "Headache" No More?

Durham drug maker, GlaxoSmithKline, one of the mainstays at Research Triangle Park, is making a move that may give some locals a headache.

The original Five Points Drug Company
Courtesy of Duke Archives



In an effort to raise money and focus attention on faster-growing products, GlaxoSmithKline plans to sell 19 of its non-core brands. On Thursday, the company released a list of over-the-counter products it plans to divest including Durham's own heritage product, B.C. Powders.

BC Powders was conceived in 1906 in Durham, NC at the Five Points Drug Company by Germain Bernard and C.T. Council. BC soon developed a loyal customer following among local tobacco and textile factory workers. In 1928, the growing company opened a production facility to meet increasing demand. Photographs of the factory are courtesy of Endangered Durham, a local blog chronicling the architectural history of Durham.

While BC Powders achieved national recognition it was primarily sold in the South where it has maintained a cult following for nearly 100 years. With the future of BC Powders uncertain, now is the time to the celebrate the heritage of one of the products that founded the City of Medicine.