Mainz, Germany – The pioneering husband-and-wife team behind BioNTech, Uğur Şahin and Özlem Türeci, are preparing to step down from their leadership roles at the German biotechnology company to embark on a new venture focused on continued innovation in mRNA technology. The pair, globally recognized for their pivotal role in developing the first mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in collaboration with Pfizer, will leave their executive positions by the conclude of 2026, as their contracts expire, according to a BioNTech statement. Despite this transition, Şahin and Türeci will remain significant shareholders, holding approximately 15% of BioNTech’s stock.
The decision, according to Türeci, stems from a desire to return to the core of scientific discovery. “We have a well-ordered house, we have made the journey from startup to industrial company. Now we will work throughout the year until December to really refine this house, so that the company is ready to industrialize, to prepare for the commercial phases. Our superpower is elsewhere: namely in innovation and unconventional entrepreneurship. And that’s where we want to move back,” she told Bild, as reported by DW.com.
Şahin and Türeci’s story is one of remarkable scientific dedication and entrepreneurial spirit. An anecdote shared by Türeci with the Süddeutsche Zeitung illustrates their commitment: on their wedding day, the couple spent the morning in the laboratory, attended their ceremony, and then promptly returned to work. This unwavering focus has been central to their groundbreaking achievements.
The couple first met during their medical training at the University Hospital in Homburg, Saarland, in the 1990s. They quickly shared a common interest in exploring novel immunotherapies for cancer treatment. They later moved to the University of Mainz, where Şahin became a professor and Türeci a private lecturer. Both come from families of Turkish immigrants; Şahin arrived in Germany at age four and grew up in Cologne, while Türeci also immigrated as a child.
Şahin and Türeci’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2001 with the founding of Ganymed Pharmaceuticals, a company focused on developing antibody therapies for cancer. Ganymed was sold to the Japanese pharmaceutical company Astellas in 2016 for over €400 million, according to Wikipedia. In 2008, they established BioNTech, with the ambitious goal of creating individualized cancer therapies based on mRNA technology. Şahin described this as a “revolution” in cancer treatment.
From Cancer Research to Global Pandemic Response
The couple gained international prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic. When the virus began to spread globally in early 2020, BioNTech swiftly redirected its research efforts. In partnership with Pfizer, they developed one of the first mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 to receive worldwide regulatory approval. This achievement earned them numerous accolades, including Germany’s most prestigious medical award and the Order of Merit.
The success of the vaccine transformed BioNTech into a global pharmaceutical company and positioned Şahin and Türeci as symbols of scientific resilience during the pandemic. In 2021, they were awarded the Great Cross of Merit with Star of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. In 2022, they jointly received the Paul-Ehrlich- and Ludwig-Darmstaedter-Prize alongside mRNA researcher Katalin Karikó.
A New Chapter Focused on mRNA Innovation
While the COVID-19 vaccine remains BioNTech’s sole approved product, the company continues to pursue a robust pipeline of new therapies, particularly in the field of oncology. Several medications are currently in late-stage clinical trials, with BioNTech aiming for multiple regulatory submissions by 2030. The planned departure of the founding couple is not expected to hinder this progress, with BioNTech emphasizing that vaccine operations and research will continue uninterrupted. The supervisory board has already initiated a search for their successors.
The new company founded by Şahin and Türeci will continue their exploration of mRNA applications, which have shown promise in combating a range of diseases, including influenza, malaria, and HIV. BioNTech will receive a minority stake in the new firm, along with licensing fees and potential milestone payments, in exchange for contributing certain patent rights and technologies related to mRNA. BioNTech Chairman Helmut Jeggle stated the companies “look forward to working together on potential combination therapy approaches,” as reported by DW.com.
The transition marks a return to the foundational scientific pursuits that initially drove Şahin and Türeci, while ensuring the continued development of groundbreaking mRNA technologies through both BioNTech and their new venture. The future of mRNA-based therapies remains bright, with ongoing research poised to address some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.
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Disclaimer: This article provides informational content and should not be considered medical or investment advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional or financial advisor for personalized guidance.
