BioNTech takes over CureVac: Tübingen becomes the center of mRNA research!

BioNTech takes over CureVac: Tübingen becomes the center of mRNA research!

CureVac, the Tübingen-based biotech company, has caused quite a stir in recent years, particularly through its developments in the area of ​​mRNA technology. On June 12, 2025, the course was set for a significant takeover: BioNTech SE plans to buy CureVac for around $1.25 billion. BioNTech boss Ugur Sahin announced this after personally visiting the Tübingen site. Sahin was impressed by the achievements of the past 25 years, which have made the location a central player in the mRNA sector. Over 80 percent of the approximately 700 employees work directly at the headquarters in Tübingen, which will take on an even more important role within the BioNTech Group as a result of the takeover.

The purchase price is reported to be approximately $5.46 per CureVac share, reflecting a healthy valuation for the company. BioNTech plans to integrate CureVac's mRNA technology and oncology programs into its own research landscape. The federal government has already signaled its support for this multi-billion dollar deal, which should not only strengthen BioNTech's position in the market, but could also shake up the entire biotech segment.

Strategic expansion in the mRNA area

With this acquisition, BioNTech aims to expand its capabilities in the field of mRNA-based therapies, particularly with regard to cancer treatments, which are becoming increasingly important. The deal will be implemented through a public offering, with CureVac shareholders receiving 0.3 BioNTech shares for each CureVac share. BioNTech requires a minimum acceptance threshold of 80 percent of the share offering to complete the takeover. 36.76 percent of CureVac shareholders have already signaled their willingness to accept the offer.

The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to all regulatory approvals. CureVac's CEO, Alexander Zehnder, is optimistic: "The merger opens up new opportunities for RNA innovations." The acquisition also brings nearly 400 researchers and several promising mRNA development programs into the BioNTech pipeline.

A look into the future

BioNTech aims to submit an initial application for approval for a cancer treatment in the USA by the end of 2025. This therapy uses antibody-drug conjugates to specifically treat cancer cells - a strategy that has also been researched at CureVac in recent years. Despite the withdrawal of a vaccine candidate due to lower effectiveness, CureVac's Tübingen research facility will remain intact, which is of great importance for the region.

In addition, BioNTech recently announced a collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb to develop a cancer drug candidate. This collaboration will be valued at $3.5 billion, with potential additional payments of up to $7.6 billion on the horizon.

This acquisition marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in the world of biotechnology, bringing with it both opportunities and challenges. While share prices reacted moderately, interest in innovative therapies remains unbroken. Experts agree that the BioNTech-CureVac transaction sends a strong signal for the future of mRNA-based research and development and has the potential to sustainably change the industry.

Those interested can find further information in the reports from Pharmaceutical newspaper, Industry Leaders Magazine as well as n-tv.