BioNTech Founders to Launch New Venture

BioNTech's cofounders Ugur Sahin and Oezlem Tuereci will depart the company by 2026 to establish a new venture focusing on next-generation mRNA drugs. Their transition is planned to ensure continuity for BioNTech's ongoing projects, including its cancer and COVID-19 vaccine developments.

BioNTech's cofounders, Ugur Sahin and Oezlem Tuereci, announced plans to leave the German COVID-19 vaccine maker by 2026 to start a new company, according to a statement released on Tuesday. These prominent figures in vaccine development aim to pioneer once more with their new venture.

As CEO and chief medical officer respectively, Sahin and Tuereci spearheaded the creation of the widely used COVID-19 vaccine. BioNTech has initiated the search for their successors to ensure a seamless transition. Their new company will focus on mRNA technology for developing next-generation drugs, maintaining a separate operation and resource base.

While the founders plan their departure, BioNTech will remain unaffected regarding its drug development pipeline, including cancer therapies and ongoing COVID-19 vaccine franchise. BioNTech intends to contribute specific mRNA technologies to the new company for a minority stake and performance-tied payments.

(With inputs from agencies.)