Biotechnology: Biontech founders launch new company in Germany - an old acquaintance is supposed to become a member of the board
The Handelsblatt knows the details of previously secret plans by Biontech founders Ugur Sahin and Özlem Türeci. Now it is clear what their new company is called – and who is on board.
Good morning, valued readers. Biontech founders Özlem Türeci and Ugur Sahin have grand plans for the future, yet they cannot shake off their past. While the new company now has a name and a registered entry called Arife, there is still uncertainty about which patents and active ingredients from their Biontech heritage it can launch with at the stroke of midnight.
This stems from a fight between the duo and the management of their previous firm, as research by colleagues Annika Keilen and Helena Smolak revealed. One source described the situation as Türeci reportedly discussing "confiscation of their own firm." The separation of the two companies, which the research duo hoped would grant them more freedom in investigating their hoped-for mRNA cancer therapies, has thus turned into a mud-slinging battle.
The situation does not become any simpler due to the lack of a clear precedent: two founders leaving a company of this size to start a firm that is simultaneously a spin-off, partner, and rival for the same minds.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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