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BioNTech Cofounders to Exit for New mRNA Venture as Shares Slide on 2026 Outlook

BioNTech will transfer mRNA technologies to the new firm in return for a minority stake with milestone and royalty rights.

Overview

  • Cofounders Ugur Sahin and Ozlem Tureci will depart by year-end to lead a new mRNA startup, and the supervisory board has begun a search for successors.
  • BioNTech will contribute mRNA technologies and related rights to the venture in exchange for minority equity plus potential milestone payments and sales royalties.
  • The company guided 2026 revenue to €2.0–€2.3 billion, below the €2.69 billion analysts expected, and it forecast lower Covid-19 vaccine revenue than in 2025.
  • Shares fell about 14% in premarket trading on Tuesday following the leadership and guidance announcement.
  • BioNTech emphasized an oncology pivot, expecting 15 Phase 3 trials by year-end, and reported a Q4 2025 net loss of €305 million as vaccine revenue declined.