BioNTech Co-Founder Ugur Sahin to Depart, Launching New mRNA Venture
MAINZ, 10 March 2026 – Prof. Ugur Sahin, M.D., the pioneering physician-immunologist who co-founded and led BioNTech to global prominence with its COVID-19 vaccine, is set to leave the company. In a major announcement today, BioNTech confirmed that Sahin and his wife and co-founder, Özlem Türeci, will depart by the end of 2026 to establish an independent company focused on next-generation mRNA innovations. The news, coinciding with the firm’s annual results, triggered a sharp fall in BioNTech’s share price as markets reacted to the impending exit of its visionary leadership.
End of an Era at BioNTech
The planned departure marks a pivotal transition for BioNTech, the German biotech firm that became a household name during the pandemic. According to the company’s statement, the founders’ move is timed with BioNTech’s own evolution into a “multiproduct commercial biotech,” allowing Sahin and Türeci to return to their research roots. Their current service agreements will conclude at the end of the next financial year, with a management transition plan to be implemented.
A Return to Foundational Research
Prof. Ugur Sahin, who also holds a professorship at the University of Mainz, has consistently been driven by translational science—turning laboratory discoveries into real-world therapies. The new venture is described as being dedicated to “next-generation mRNA innovations,” suggesting a focus on pushing the technological boundaries beyond the current platform that delivered the Pfizer-partnered vaccine.
Market Reaction and Corporate Context
The announcement overshadowed the release of BioNTech’s Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 financial results. Reports indicate the company’s stock (BNTX) tumbled approximately 17% in pre-market trading following the dual news of the founders’ exit and a quarterly earnings miss. This underscores the significant market value tied to Sahin and Türeci’s leadership and their perceived role as the core scientific engine of the company.
Leadership Legacy and Future Pipeline
Since co-founding BioNTech in 2008, Ugur Sahin has served as Chief Executive Officer, steering the company from a cancer immunotherapy research firm to a global vaccine developer. Under his leadership, BioNTech built a substantial oncology pipeline, which the company emphasised remains a key priority. The management transition plan will aim to ensure continuity for these ongoing programmes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ugur Sahin?
Prof. Ugur Sahin, M.D., is a physician, immunologist, and co-founder and CEO of BioNTech SE. He is a professor for Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz.
Why are Ugur Sahin and Özlem Türeci leaving BioNTech?
They are leaving to establish a new, independent company focused on advancing next-generation messenger RNA (mRNA) technology. BioNTech stated this move aligns with its shift to a commercial-stage company and allows the founders to return to pioneering research.
When will they leave BioNTech?
Their departure is planned for the end of 2026, following the conclusion of their current service agreements. A management transition will be executed before then.
What was the market reaction to the news?
BioNTech’s share price fell sharply, dropping around 17% in pre-market trading on 10 March 2026, following the announcement.
What is Ugur Sahin’s background?
According to his professional biography, Ugur Sahin is a physician and immunologist whose career has been dedicated to developing novel approaches to fight cancer and infectious diseases. He co-founded BioNTech with his wife, Özlem Türeci, in 2008.