Pfizer (PFE) has reportedly decided to sell its entire remaining stake in BioNTech (BNTX), showing a lack of confidence in BioNTech’s Covid-19 vaccine and in BNTX stock. Meanwhile, BioNTech has generally been generating relatively steep losses and its shares are not cheap. Finally, while its two most prominent drug candidates show some potential, they both have significant weaknesses and consequently may very well not end up generating large amounts of revenue for the firm. More News from Barchart In li ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the fiscal year 2024, the company generated total sales of approximately €2.8 billion, a decline from €3.8 billion in the previous year, primarily due to lower demand for the COVID-19 vaccine [71] - The company reported a pretax loss of €678 million, resulting in a basic and diluted loss per share of €2.777 [73] - Cash and cash equivalents, along with investments and securities, amounted to €17.4 billion at the end of 2024, slightly down from €17.7 billion at the end of 2023 [73] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has over 20 product candidates entering Phase II and Phase III clinical trials, with a particular focus on the bispecific antibody BNT327 [68] - Research and development expenditures accounted for more than 50% of the overall cost structure, emphasizing the company's commitment to breakthroughs in medicine [72] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company maintained a market share of over 50% in the COVID-19 vaccine market, solidifying its leading global position [71] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to submit its first approval application for a cancer therapy by the end of 2025, with regulatory submissions for various cancers to follow [72] - The strategic acquisition of BioThese is viewed as a significant step to enhance the company's oncology pipeline and capabilities [49][50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management expressed confidence in the company's strong financial position to continue investing in sustainable value creation and the implementation of its strategy [73] - The company is preparing for potential market launches in oncology, with expectations for several approvals in the coming years [62] Other Important Information - The company plans to adapt its COVID-19 vaccine for the upcoming vaccination season, indicating ongoing commitment to addressing public health needs [56] - The company is also expanding its commercial capacities in oncology to become a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company [61] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expected clinical and regulatory milestones for the oncology pipeline? - The company will continue to focus on the development of BNT327 and mRNA cancer immunotherapies, with data expected later this year [61] Question: How is the company addressing the challenges in the cancer treatment landscape? - The company aims to improve treatment outcomes through innovative therapies that target the unique characteristics of individual tumors [38][39]