BioNTech to close facilities in Germany and Singapore: 1,800 employees to be affected

German biotechnology company BioNTech has decided to close several of its production facilities in Germany and Singapore as part of a shift in its post-pandemic production strategy. Following a decline in demand for its COVID-19 vaccine, the company is shifting its resources toward oncology, mRNA-based immunotherapy, and new treatments targeting cancer cells.

According to the company's statement, no suitable buyers were found for the facilities in Idar-Oberstein in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, Marburg in Hesse, and Tübingen in Baden-Württemberg, as well as its production centers in Singapore. Consequently, a phased closure of these facilities has been planned.

CLOSURE SCHEDULE AND EMPLOYMENT IMPACT

According to the plan, the Tübingen facility is expected to cease operations by the end of 2027, the Marburg facility by early 2028, and the Idar-Oberstein facility by the end of 2028. Approximately 1,800 employees are expected to be affected by the decision.

BioNTech management stated that an agreement has been reached with the works council to ensure that layoffs are conducted in a "socially responsible" manner and to determine additional severance terms. JPT Peptide Technologies GmbH, which operates in the field of peptide analysis in Berlin and employs approximately 130 people, will be excluded from the closure process as it has been acquired by the Munich-based Dubag Group.

The Tübingen site, which is among the facilities to be closed, was the headquarters of BioNTech's former rival CureVac, which the company acquired in a multi-billion dollar deal in the summer of 2025. Following the decision, CureVac founder Ingmar Hoerr accused BioNTech of "deceiving" them, stating that there had been an expectation of a mutually beneficial joint venture during the acquisition process.

BioNTech, which has approximately 7,200 employees worldwide, experienced rapid growth during the pandemic period with its COVID-19 vaccine. The company generated significant revenue in the global market thanks to the vaccine it developed in partnership with Pfizer based on mRNA technology. However, the sharp decline in demand after the pandemic led the company to reorganize its production capacity and investment priorities.

BioNTech aims to file for marketing authorization for numerous drug candidates in the field of cancer treatment by 2030. Conversely, high R&D costs and the fact that no newly approved product has yet been brought to market are putting pressure on the company's financials. BioNTech reported a net loss of 1.35 billion euros in the first six months of the year.

The restructuring process also coincides with the period when the company's founders, Prof. Dr. Uğur Şahin and Dr. Özlem Türeci, will step down from their active management roles. It was stated that Şahin and Türeci will focus on the research and development of next-generation mRNA innovations by founding a new biotechnology company called "Arife," based in Mainz.

It was noted that the pair will retain their shares in BioNTech and continue to provide scientific consultancy to the company. Guido Oelkers, CEO of the Swedish biopharma company Sobi, is expected to take over the CEO position being vacated by Uğur Şahin no later than February 1, 2027.

News Source: 12punto