BioNTech and Pfizer forge $425m partnership to develop mRNA-based flu vaccines

In a significant advancement in vaccine research, German biotech firm BioNTech has partnered with American pharmaceutical giant Pfizer in a multi-year research and development collaboration valued at $425 million. This strategic alliance is set to revolutionize influenza (flu) prevention with the development of mRNA-based flu vaccines.

Under the collaboration, BioNTech and Pfizer will jointly conduct research and development activities aimed at advancing mRNA technology for flu vaccination. mRNA vaccines, which can be developed more rapidly and potentially at lower costs than traditional flu vaccines, offer a novel approach by coding for specific proteins that trigger a stronger immune response. This method provides significant potential for enhancing vaccine efficacy against seasonal and pandemic influenza threats.

Kathrin Jansen, Senior Vice President and Head of Pfizer’s Vaccine Research and Development Unit, emphasized the innovative nature of this partnership: “Innovative vaccine approaches are urgently needed to provide improved protection against seasonal flu, and to respond rapidly and in quantity to pandemic influenza threats. mRNA vaccines offer a novel approach to code for any protein or multiple proteins, and the potential to manufacture higher potency flu vaccines more rapidly and at a lower cost than contemporary flu vaccines.”

As part of the agreement, BioNTech will receive an upfront payment of $120 million from Pfizer, with additional equity and near-term research payments. The deal also includes up to $305 million in potential development, regulatory, and commercial milestones, along with double-digit tiered royalty payments on global sales, should the mRNA-based flu vaccine program reach commercialization.

This collaboration not only underscores the commitment of both companies to address public health challenges through innovative technologies but also positions them at the forefront of the next wave of vaccine development. Pfizer will take over further clinical development and commercialization activities following BioNTech’s initial clinical trials, marking a pivotal phase in bringing this next-generation vaccine to the market.

Prof. Dr. Ugur Sahin, Co-Founder and CEO of BioNTech, reflected on the broader implications of the partnership: “Today’s agreement with Pfizer is one of a number of steps that we are taking to rapidly build a sustainable R&D presence in infectious disease, combining our deep understanding of the immune system to treat disease with the cutting-edge technologies and significant infrastructure that we have built-up over many years to develop immunotherapy treatments. A significant presence in infectious disease supports our goal of building a global immunotherapy company that provides more effective and precise immune-mediated approaches for the prevention and treatment of serious illnesses, such as the prevention of flu and the treatment of cancer.”

As BioNTech and Pfizer continue their collaborative efforts, the global healthcare community watches with anticipation, hopeful that the fruits of this partnership will lead to more effective influenza prevention strategies and reinforce infrastructure to combat future pandemics.