BioNTech Founders Leaving to Start Company Focused on mRNA Products

‘We see extraordinary opportunities to unlock the next generation of transformative innovations,’ Dr. Ugur Sahin said.

German biopharmaceutical company BioNTech co-founders Ugur Sahin (L) and Ozlem Tureci receive a prize in Berlin on June 10, 2025. Odd Andersen/AFP via Getty Images

The co-founders of BioNTech, which helped create one of the most-used COVID-19 vaccines, are departing the German company to start their own firm.

Drs. Ugur Sahin and Ozlem Tureci will be leaving BioNTech by the end of the year, BioNTech said on March 10.