Friday, September 25, 2026

BioNTech founders name new company Arife

Ugur Sahin and Özlem Türeci have named their planned new company Arife. A BioNTech spokesperson confirmed information first reported by Handelsblatt. The company will be based in Mainz.

Arife is set up for the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of pharmaceutical products. Its scientific focus will be on the next generation of mRNA-based medicines.

Leadership transition at BioNTech

Sahin and Türeci announced in spring that they intend to leave BioNTech by the end of 2026 at the latest and establish a new venture. They plan to remain shareholders of BioNTech.

Guido Oelkers is expected to succeed Sahin as chief executive of the Mainz-based company. He is due to take over the role no later than February 1 next year.

From Covid-19 success to oncology

BioNTech became widely known during the Covid-19 pandemic after the company and its US partner Pfizer secured the first marketing authorization for a Covid-19 vaccine. The vaccine generated substantial profits in the years that followed.

BioNTech has since shifted its strategic emphasis toward new oncology products. Arife now marks a separate project by the company’s founders, again centered on mRNA technology.