BioNTech co-founders leave to focus on next-generation mRNA innovation
Husband-and-wife team who transformed BioNTech into a global vaccine leader are leaving to pioneer the next wave of mRNA disruptors
The co-founders of BioNTech, married couple, Professors Ugur Sahin and Özlem Türec, today (10 March) announced plans to step down from BioNTech leadership roles and establish an independent company to develop next-generation mRNA innovations with disruptive potential. Sahin and Türeci will transition to managing their new company by the end of 2026.
BioNTech will continue to focus on its late-stage pipeline spanning innovative immunomodulator, antibody-drug conjugate (“ADC”), mRNA candidates and its COVID-19 vaccine franchise. BioNTech has 15 ongoing Phase 3 clinical trials in oncology.
“Over the past 18 years, we have built BioNTech from a start-up into a global biopharmaceutical company with a strong and diversified pipeline. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we expanded beyond oncology to develop the first approved mRNA vaccine, helping to protect people worldwide,” said Sahin.
“At the same time, Özlem and I are ready to become pioneers once again. Our vision has always been to translate our science into meaningful advances for patients, and we see extraordinary opportunities to unlock the next generation of transformative innovations.”
Chairman of the BioNTech Supervisory Board, Helmut Jeggle, said that the decision will be “additive for both”, but the two are not severing ties. “We look forward to working together with their new company on potential combination therapy approaches, setting the stage for continued success,” said Jeggle.
BioNTech will contribute related rights and mRNA technologies to the new company on an arm’s-length basis in exchange for a minority stake and other consideration, including milestones and royalties.