BioNTech co-founders Ugur Sahin and Özlem Türeci announced Tuesday they will step down to establish a new company aimed at advancing fresh mRNA-driven innovations. Sahin, BioNTech’s chief executive, and Türeci, the company’s chief medical officer, rose to global prominence after partnering with Pfizer to develop the first mRNA COVID-19 vaccine approved in the West in 2021. Their work has earned top honors in Germany, including the nation’s leading medical prize and the Order of Merit.
“Özlem and I are ready to become pioneers once again,” Sahin said, adding that their long-term goal has been to translate scientific discoveries into tangible patient benefits. The new firm will continue exploring mRNA applications beyond COVID-19, pursuing potential vaccines and therapies for illnesses such as influenza, malaria and HIV.
As part of the transition, BioNTech will transfer certain patent rights to the new company in exchange for a minority equity stake. Helmut Jeggle, BioNTech’s chairman, said the parent company looks forward to collaborating with the startup on possible combination therapy approaches.
News of the founders’ plans triggered about a 17% decline in BioNTech’s share price. Sahin and Türeci are expected to remain with BioNTech until the end of 2026. The new venture will be the couple’s third company: they previously founded Ganymed Pharmaceuticals in 2001 and launched BioNTech in 2008.