BioNTech co-founders Ugur Sahin and Özlem Türeci plan to launch a new biotechnology company focused on next-generation mRNA technologies, while BioNTech sharpens its focus on its late-stage clinical pipeline. The new venture will operate independently, with its own resources, operations, and funding options, and BioNTech plans to contribute related rights and mRNA technologies in exchange for a minority stake. The move marks the pair’s third biotechnology company, following Ganymed Pharmaceuticals and BioNTech.
Sahin said the decision reflects both a transition point for BioNTech and an opportunity to return to early-stage innovation. “For us, this is the right time to prepare to hand over the baton,” he said, adding that he and Türeci see “extraordinary opportunities to unlock the next generation of transformative innovations.” The co-founders are expected to move into leadership roles at the new company by the end of 2026, while BioNTech conducts a search for successors. The company said its current pipeline remains unchanged, with 15 Phase 3 oncology trials expected to be underway by year-end, as both organizations prepare to pursue separate priorities.
