Biontech Founders Establish New Company in Germany

Ugur Sahin and Özlem Türeci, the founders of Biontech, have announced the establishment of a new company in Germany. Details of the previously secret plans have now been disclosed. The new company will be named Ganymed Therapeutics and will focus on the development of innovative therapies. The founding of Ganymed Therapeutics comes at a time when the biotechnology sector in Germany is gaining further significance. Sahin and Türeci have already proven their ability to develop groundbreaking technologies, particularly with the success of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The new company will concentrate on the research and development of mRNA-based therapies that extend beyond vaccines. Another important aspect of the company’s establishment is the composition of the board. According to reports, Dr. Thomas Strüngmann, an experienced entrepreneur and investor in the biotech sector, will play a key role on the board of Ganymed Therapeutics. Strüngmann brings extensive experience in corporate management and the development of biopharmaceuticals.

The new firm will be headquartered in Mainz, where Biontech is also located. This allows for close collaboration with existing research and development teams. The choice of location is strategic, as Mainz is considered a hub for biotechnology in Germany and hosts numerous research institutes and universities. Ganymed Therapeutics plans to initiate several clinical trials in the coming years, with the first projects focusing on the treatment of oncological diseases.

The founders have already announced their intention to collaborate with various partners from industry and academia to achieve their research goals. The funding for the new company will come from private investors as well as grants from public programs. Sahin and Türeci have emphasized their commitment to continue investing in Germany to strengthen the country’s innovative capacity. However, the exact amount of the investments has not been disclosed. The establishment of Ganymed Therapeutics is seen as a significant step for the German biotechnology sector.

Experts expect that the company could play an important role in the development of new therapies in the coming years. The first clinical trials are planned for 2027, promising rapid progress in research. The founders have also addressed the challenges associated with developing new therapies, emphasizing the need to pursue innovative approaches while ensuring the safety and efficacy of the products. "We are determined to push the boundaries of science and find new solutions for patients," Sahin stated in an interview.

Ganymed Therapeutics is also expected to enter into international collaborations to facilitate access to global markets. The founders have already engaged in discussions with various international partners to advance their research projects. Initial results from the research efforts are expected to be published as early as 2028. The biotechnology sector in Germany has experienced strong growth in recent years. According to the Biotechnology Report 2026 from the Federal Association of German Biotechnology (VBU), the number of biotech companies in Germany increased by 15% compared to the previous year. This development reflects the growing interest in innovative solutions in the healthcare sector.