Uğur Şahin and Özlem Türeci's new company Arife has been established
BioNTech founders Özlem Türeci and Uğur Şahin have established a new company named 'Arife' to develop mRNA-based next-generation drugs.
Scientists Özlem Türeci and Uğur Şahin, who developed the world's first authorized COVID-19 vaccine, have announced that they will focus on developing mRNA-based next-generation drugs through their newly founded company named Arife.
New Company and Focus Area
The new company of scientists Özlem Türeci and Uğur Şahin, who developed the world's first authorized COVID-19 vaccine, has been named Arife.
The two scientists will focus particularly on developing mRNA-based next-generation drugs in their new company named Arife.
BioNTech Process and Departure Plan
Germany-based BioNTech founders Şahin and Türeci announced in a statement in March that they would leave BioNTech by the end of 2026 at the latest.
The scientists plan to remain as shareholders of BioNTech while establishing their new venture.
Changes at BioNTech
BioNTech, which achieved worldwide fame during the COVID-19 pandemic and received the first market approval with Pfizer, currently focuses on products in the field of oncology.
It was announced that Guido Oelkers, the CEO of Swedish Orphan Biovitrum, will replace Uğur Şahin at BioNTech and will start the position by February 1, 2027 at the latest.