BioNTech co-founders Ugur Sahin (CEO) and Özlem Türeci (CMO), who are married, announced on March 10, 2026, they will leave by year-end to start a new unnamed biotech focused on next-generation mRNA therapeutics.1245
The departure allows BioNTech to shift to a multiproduct commercial biotech, while the founders return to pioneering research; this is their third company after Ganymed (2001, sold 2016) and BioNTech (2008).14
BioNTech will license unspecified mRNA technologies to the new venture on an arm's-length basis, receiving a minority stake, milestones, and royalties; a binding agreement is expected by end of June 2026.145
BioNTech's stock plunged up to 22% following the announcement, raising investor concerns about leadership and future prospects amid oncology pipeline advancements.345
Board Chairman Helmut Jeggle supports the move, praising their innovation track record, and has begun searching for replacements.14
Sources:
1. https://www.biospace.com/business/biontech-founders-to-leave-famed-mrna-biotech-for-new-venture
2. https://www.statnews.com/2026/03/10/biontech-mrna-ugur-sahin-ozlem-tureci-depart-new-company/
3. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-10/biontech-s-founders-will-leave-to-start-new-firm-with-mrna-focus
4. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/biontechs-ceo-cmo-prep-departure-set-next-gen-mrna-company
5. https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/biontech-founders-ugur-sahin-ozlem-tureci-mrna-startup/814290/