BioNTech Co-Founders Launch New mRNA Company

BioNTech announced plans to support the creation of an independent biotechnology company focused on next-generation messenger RNA (mRNA) technologies, as the company sharpens its strategic focus on advancing a late-stage oncology pipeline and transitioning toward a multi-product commercial portfolio.¹

According to a March 10, 2026 company press release, the planned venture will be led by BioNTech co-founders Ugur Sahin, MD, and Özlem Türeci, MD, who intend to transition to management of the new company by the end of 2026 following the conclusion of their current service agreements. BioNTech’s supervisory board has initiated an executive search to identify successors and ensure leadership continuity.

Under the proposed structure, BioNTech plans to contribute certain mRNA technologies and related rights to the new company in exchange for a minority equity stake and potential milestone and royalty payments. Binding agreements are expected to be signed by the end of the first half of 2026.

The move comes as BioNTech increasingly positions itself as a late-stage oncology developer, with the company expecting to have approximately 15 Phase III clinical trials underway by the end of 2026 across multiple cancer indications.¹

Why is BioNTech separating next-generation mRNA innovation from its core pipeline?

BioNTech said in the release that the new company will operate with independent resources and funding structures, allowing each organization to focus on distinct strategic priorities.

“Over the past 18 years, we have built BioNTech from a start-up into a global biopharmaceutical company with a strong and diversified pipeline,” Dr. Sahin, who is also CEO of BioNTech, said in the release.¹ “During the COVID-19 pandemic, we expanded beyond oncology to develop the first approved mRNA vaccine^,[2] 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.”

While BioNTech concentrates on advancing its clinical pipeline toward commercialization, the new entity will focus on early-stage research and development of next-generation mRNA platform technologies.

BioNTech’s existing pipeline, which includes its oncology programs and COVID-19 vaccine franchise, will remain unchanged under the planned structure. The company’s development portfolio comprises multiple modalities, including mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies, antibody-drug conjugates, and immunomodulators.

How could the new venture influence the mRNA technology landscape?

The planned company would represent the third biotechnology venture founded by Dr. Sahin and Dr. Türeci, following the creation of Ganymed Pharmaceuticals in 2001 and BioNTech in 2008.

“Over the course of their careers, [Dr. Sahin] and [Dr. Türeci] have established an outstanding track record of innovation,” said Helmut Jeggle, chairman of BioNTech’s supervisory board, in the release.¹ “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.”

“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,” Jeggle added.

Jeggle also noted that the structure could allow both organizations to pursue complementary development strategies.

References

1. BioNTech. BioNTech and Co-Founders Announce Plan to Pursue Next-Generation mRNA Innovations in Co-Founders-Led New Company as BioNTech Advances Toward Becoming a Multi-Product Company by 2030. Press Release. March 10, 2026.
2. FDA. FDA Takes Key Action in Fight Against COVID-19 By Issuing Emergency Use Authorization for First COVID-19 Vaccine. Press Release. Dec. 11, 2020.