BioNTech sets leadership transition as Sahin and Türeci plan move to new mRNA company

BioNTech SE, on March 10, 2026, said that co-founders Ugur Sahin and Özlem Türeci plan to move into the management of a new independent mRNA company, with BioNTech stating the transition is expected by the end of 2026 after their current service agreements end. BioNTech’s Supervisory Board has started an executive search for successors to the chief executive and chief medical officer roles.

The announcement prompted an immediate market reaction. Reuters reported BioNTech shares fell more than 20% to their lowest level since August 2024, reflecting investor concern about the loss of the company’s founding leadership.

BioNTech said it plans to contribute related rights and mRNA technologies to the new company on an arm’s-length basis in exchange for a minority stake, milestones and royalties. A binding agreement is expected by the end of the first half of 2026.

Operationally, BioNTech said its current pipeline, previously announced milestones and COVID-19 vaccine franchise remain unaffected. The company expects 15 ongoing Phase 3 oncology trials by year end and multiple late-stage data readouts in 2026.

Source: Reuters, BioNTech