BioNTech co-founders step down to launch new mRNA venture

Core Insights - The co-founders of BioNTech, Uğur Şahin and Özlem Türeci, will leave the company to establish a new mRNA-focused entity by the end of 2026, amid increasing losses for BioNTech [1][2] - BioNTech's Q4 2025 revenue fell to €907.4 million ($1.05 billion), a 25% decrease from €1.2 billion in 2024, while net losses surged 57% to €1.1 billion in 2025 compared to €665.3 million the previous year [3] - BioNTech is shifting its focus towards oncology, with over 25 Phase II and III programs in development, aiming to become a fully integrated multiproduct oncology company [6] Company Developments - The new company led by Şahin and Türeci will have separate resources and operations, with BioNTech contributing certain mRNA technologies to expedite the development of new candidates [2] - BioNTech's share price has declined over 75% from its mid-2021 highs as demand for COVID treatments has decreased [5] - The company has partnered with Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) for the development of pumitamig, a cancer drug in late-stage trials, with potential revenues exceeding €2 billion by 2032 [7] Strategic Focus - BioNTech is targeting oncology to enhance its financial performance, with a pipeline that includes next-generation immunomodulators, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and mRNA cancer immunotherapies [6] - The acquisition of German rival CureVac for $1.25 billion last year has expanded BioNTech's cancer immunotherapy pipeline [7]