BioNTech announced that co‑founders Prof. Dr. Ugur Sahin and Prof. Dr. Özlem Türeci will establish an independent biotechnology company to research and develop next‑generation mRNA innovations, while BioNTech sharpens its focus on advancing and commercializing a growing late‑stage pipeline.
Under the planned arrangement, BioNTech intends to contribute certain rights and mRNA technologies to the new firm on an arm’s‑length basis and would take a minority stake in return, together with potential milestone and royalty payments; a binding agreement is expected by the end of the first half of 2026. Sahin and Türeci are expected to move into management roles at the new company by the end of 2026 after their current service contracts expire.
BioNTech said the move will allow it to prioritize development of its late‑stage portfolio, which includes immunomodulators, antibody‑drug conjugates (ADCs) and mRNA candidates, while leaving its COVID‑19 vaccine business and announced clinical milestones unaffected. The company expects to have 15 ongoing Phase‑3 oncology trials by the end of 2026 and said 2026 will be the first year with multiple late‑stage readouts across high‑incidence cancer indications.
BioNTech’s supervisory board has begun searching for successors to ensure a smooth leadership transition and continued execution of the company’s strategy. Sahin and Türeci — who previously founded Ganymed Pharmaceuticals and BioNTech — said the new venture aims to unlock disruptive mRNA platform technologies and accelerate translation of science into patient benefit.
BioNTech emphasized that both organizations will pursue distinct strategic priorities but could collaborate on combination approaches that leverage complementary or synergistic programs. The company said it will provide further details after the completion of the definitive agreement.