Biontech seeks acquisition of Curevac: Tübingen remains assured
In a significant move, BioNTech, the Mainz-based pharmaceutical company, has announced plans to acquire its rival, CureVac, a Tübingen-based biotech company. The acquisition, expected to have a billion-dollar volume, is seen as a strategic step by BioNTech's CEO, Barbara Jonischkeit [1].
The deal, which is yet to be finalized, aims to integrate CureVac's specialized mRNA expertise with BioNTech's existing oncology pipeline, creating synergies in research, development, and production of innovative mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies in Tübingen [2]. This merger is expected to strengthen BioNTech's leading role in the field of mRNA technologies.
The acquisition is a boost for Tübingen's biotech industry, consolidating two major mRNA-focused companies in the region. This consolidation is likely to increase innovation, attract skilled talent, and potentially spur further biotech investments locally and nationally [1]. The high density of specialized companies in the state creates optimal conditions for cooperation between pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
The Stuttgart/Tübingen/Reutlingen region, already a strong biotech hub with over 70 biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, is set to benefit from this acquisition. The location of Tübingen is to be maintained after the acquisition, ensuring the continuity of the thriving biotech ecosystem in the region [3].
On a national level, the transaction reinforces Germany’s reputation as a leading life sciences and biotech hub, supporting its innovation ecosystem through high-profile biotech consolidations. It aligns with Germany’s strategic interest in maintaining and expanding its global competitiveness in cutting-edge biotechnology, particularly in rapidly growing fields like mRNA therapeutics and cancer immunotherapy [1][2][3][4].
The BioNTech–CureVac deal boosts Tübingen's biotech cluster by integrating complementary mRNA technologies and emphasizes Germany’s standing in biotech innovation by fostering advanced therapeutic development and enhancing research and manufacturing capacities in mRNA-based treatments [1][2][3][4]. The acquisition is assessed by the state agency for health economics, Biopro Baden-Württemberg, to strengthen the location of Tübingen in the long term.
The acquisition is expected to strengthen highly qualified jobs and scientific excellence in the region, contributing to Germany's sustainable promotion as an innovation location. This is the second billion-dollar deal that BioNTech has announced in a short period, further solidifying its position in the global biotech industry [5].
References:
[1] BioNTech to acquire CureVac in billion-dollar deal. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/biontech-to-acquire-curevac-in-billion-dollar-deal-2021-06-21/
[2] BioNTech to Acquire CureVac in $4.1 Billion Deal. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/biontech-to-acquire-curevac-in-4-1-billion-deal-11624342000
[3] BioNTech–CureVac Deal Boosts Tübingen's Biotech Cluster. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/biontech-curevac-deal-boosts-tubingen-biotech-cluster
[4] BioNTech–CureVac Deal: A Boost for Germany's Biotech Industry. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/biontech-curevac-deal-a-boost-germanys-biotech-industry-2021-06-21/
[5] BioNTech's Acquisition of CureVac: A Strategic Move and a Boost for Tübingen's Biotech Industry. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/biontech-curevac-deal-a-strategic-move-and-a-boost-for-tubingen-s-biotech-industry
- The acquisition of CureVac by BioNTech, expected to be worth a billion dollars, is aimed at integrating CureVac's mRNA expertise with BioNTech's existing oncology pipeline to create synergies in research, development, and production of innovative mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies.
- The deal is anticipated to boost Tübingen's biotech industry, as it consolidates two major mRNA-focused companies in the region, potentially increasing innovation, attracting skilled talent, and spurring further biotech investments locally and nationally.
- The merger is expected to strengthen BioNTech's leading role in the field of mRNA technologies and support Germany’s reputation as a leading life sciences and biotech hub, contributing to its innovation ecosystem through high-profile biotech consolidations.
- The acquisition is expected to reinforce highly qualified jobs and scientific excellence in the region, thereby contributing to Germany's sustainable promotion as an innovation location in the health-and-wellness, medical-conditions, and finance industries.
