BioNTech has announced plans to spin off a new independent company, led by its co-founders, Ugur Sahin and Özlem Türeci, focused on next-generation mRNA innovations.
The new entity will operate with separate resources, funding, and operations, while BioNTech will contribute related rights and mRNA technologies to support its ambitious mission.
“With both companies focusing on their respective strategic priorities, BioNTech expects to maximize value for patients and shareholders alike,” the company said.
BioNTech is sharpening its focus on its late-stage pipeline, spanning immunomodulators, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and mRNA candidates. The company’s current clinical trials, including its COVID-19 vaccine franchise, will continue unaffected. By the end of 2026, BioNTech expects to run 15 Phase 3 oncology trials and deliver multiple late-stage data readouts across major cancer types—key inputs for future regulatory and launch plans.
Prof. Sahin and Prof. Türeci will transition to the new company’s management after their BioNTech service agreements conclude at the end of 2026. The company’s Supervisory Board has begun a search for successors to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
“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.
"Today, the company is well positioned to advance its mission and evolve into a commercial multi-product company. None of this would have been possible without the extraordinary dedication of our teams, the trust of our shareholders and Supervisory Board, and the commitment of the partners who have supported us along the way. For us, this is the right time to prepare to hand over the baton,” said Sahin, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of BioNTech.
“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.”
“Over the course of their careers, Ugur and Özlem have established an outstanding track record of innovation. As BioNTech advances multiple late-stage product candidates towards commercialization, we support them in taking the opportunity to apply their strengths and undivided attention to a new venture, dedicated to enabling mRNA-based technologies to reach their full potential,” said Helmut Jeggle, Chairman of the BioNTech Supervisory Board.
"We believe that this plan will be additive for both, BioNTech and the new company, as it aims to allow each organization to drive meaningful impact for patients. We look forward to working together with their new company on potential combination therapy approaches, setting the stage for continued success.”
The new venture will mark the third biotechnology company founded by Prof Sahin and Prof Türeci, following Ganymed Pharmaceuticals in 2001 and BioNTech in 2008. The company will pioneer advanced mRNA platform technologies and accelerate the development of disruptive mRNA-based innovations.
