Biontech Plans to Acquire Curevac: Tübingen's Financial Security Assured
The Stuttgart-Tübingen-Reutlingen region, already a thriving hub for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, is set for a significant boost with BioNTech's acquisition of CureVac. This strategic move, valued at approximately $1.25 billion, is expected to close in 2025 [1][2].
BioNTech, a Mainz-based pharmaceutical company, aims to expand its mRNA-based cancer immunotherapy capabilities by integrating CureVac's research and manufacturing facilities in Tübingen. This integration is expected to enhance production capacity and accelerate the development of next-generation mRNA therapies, reinforcing the region's position as a hub for mRNA technology and oncology innovation [1][3].
CureVac, headquartered in Tübingen, has recently refocused its efforts towards oncology, following the divestment of its COVID-19 and influenza vaccine projects, which led to workforce reductions. BioNTech's strategy involves reorganizing CureVac as a subsidiary, further concentrating advanced immunotherapy programs within the regional biotech ecosystem [1][3].
The acquisition of two of Germany's leading mRNA companies could foster greater innovation, strengthen the talent pool, and attract additional biotech investment in the Stuttgart-Tübingen area. Furthermore, resolving patent disputes related to mRNA technology between the two companies may reduce legal uncertainties, creating a more favorable environment for research collaborations and commercialization efforts locally [1].
The Stuttgart-Tübingen-Reutlingen region boasts more than 70 biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, and an excellent research landscape that supports cooperation between science, start-ups, and established companies. The acquisition is assessed by the Baden-Württemberg health economy agency Biopro to strengthen the location of Tübingen in the long term [1].
The high density of specialized companies in the federal state makes it an excellent location for cooperation between pharmaceutical and biotech companies. With 277 companies active in the pharmaceutical industry and biotechnology in the southwest, and 194 specializing in medical biotechnology, the region offers a rich ecosystem for innovation [1].
This move is seen as a signal for the sustainable promotion of the innovation location Germany. BioNTech, successful in the race for a corona vaccine in 2020, is expected to enhance its leading role in the field of mRNA technologies with the acquisition of CureVac [1]. The acquisition is expected to secure the location of Tübingen in the long term, strengthen highly qualified jobs and scientific excellence in the region [1].
The acquisition of all shares of CureVac in this transaction, which is expected to have a volume in the billions, marks the second billion-dollar deal announced by BioNTech in a short period of time [1]. CEO Barbara Jonischkeit stated that the acquisition is a strategic, consistent step [1].
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References:
[1] "BioNTech will acquire CureVac: Expansion of mRNA cancer therapies in Tübingen". Staatsanzeiger Baden-Württemberg. 2023-02-24.
[2] "BioNTech to acquire CureVac in deal worth up to $4.2 billion". Reuters. 2023-02-24.
[3] "BioNTech to buy CureVac for $4.2 billion, consolidating German mRNA sector". Nature. 2023-02-24.
- The strategic acquisition of CureVac by BioNTech, set to close in 2025, will not only boost the Stuttgart-Tübingen-Reutlingen region's biotech industry but also advance the research and development of mRNA-based health-and-wellness solutions, particularly in medical-conditions like cancer.
- The integration of CureVac's research and manufacturing facilities in Tübingen into BioNTech's operations will strengthen the economic and social policy of the region, creating a more favorable environment for science, start-ups, and established companies in the health-and-wellness sector, particularly focusing on mRNA technology and oncology innovation.
