BioNTech Founders Şahin and Türeci to Step Down, Launch New Venture
Mainz, Germany – The co-founders of BioNTech, Professor Dr. Uğur Şahin and Dr. Özlem Türeci, are preparing to leave the COVID-19 vaccine maker by the end of 2026 to establish a new biotechnology company, the firm announced on Tuesday. The couple, globally recognized for their pivotal role in developing the mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine, will transition leadership roles but remain shareholders in BioNTech.
A Shift Towards mRNA Innovation
Şahin and Türeci’s decision stems from a desire to refocus on fundamental research and innovation in mRNA technology. Their new venture will concentrate on “next-generation mRNA innovations,” according to European Biotechnology. BioNTech will receive a minority stake in the new company, along with license fees and potential milestone payments in return for rights and technologies related to mRNA.
From Startup to Global Pharmaceutical Company
Şahin and Türeci founded BioNTech in 2008, building it from a startup into a global pharmaceutical company. Their breakthrough came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they partnered with Pfizer to develop one of the first and most effective mRNA vaccines against the virus. This achievement transformed BioNTech and brought the couple international acclaim. They were honored with the Great Cross of Merit with Star of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2021 and the Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter Prize in 2022, shared with mRNA researcher Katalin Karikó. Hürriyet News reports that Türeci emphasized the company is now well-positioned for industrialization and commercialization.
Entrepreneurial Roots and Future Focus
Prior to BioNTech, Şahin and Türeci founded Ganymed Pharmaceuticals in 2001, which focused on antibody therapies against cancer and was later sold to Astellas for over €400 million. Their commitment to translating research into therapies has been a consistent theme throughout their careers. BioNTech will continue to focus on its industrial drug production model and has 15 ongoing Phase III oncology trials, with several regulatory submissions anticipated by 2030. The company has initiated a search for successors to Şahin and Türeci, with the management transition expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
A Legacy of Scientific Passion
The couple’s dedication to their work is well-known. Reports indicate they were even in the laboratory on the morning of their wedding, returning to work afterward, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to scientific advancement. Both Şahin and Türeci are children of Turkish immigrants, bringing diverse backgrounds to their scientific pursuits.