# BioNTech leadership transition and new company formation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/biontech-leadership-transition-and-new-company-formation
> Updated: 2026-09-28T14:28:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

BioNTech founders Uğur Şahin and Özlem Türeci announced the creation of a new Mainz-based pharmaceutical company named Arife. This new entity will focus on the research, development, manufacturing, and marketing of next-generation mRNA-based medicines. The founders intend to leave BioNTech by the end of 2026 to lead Arife, though they will remain shareholders in BioNTech. Guido Oelkers is slated to succeed Şahin as CEO of BioNTech by February 1 of the following year.

Subsequent reports indicate that BioNTech is experiencing internal disputes among its management and founders concerning active projects, employee matters, and patent rights. Alongside the planned departure of Şahin and Türeci from the board by the end of 2026, the company is currently shifting its primary focus toward oncology.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-28: BioNTech faces internal disputes amid German political debates

BioNTech faces internal patent and management disputes as founders plan to exit by 2026. Meanwhile, German political leaders debate migrant welfare and pension system reforms.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/biontech-faces-internal-disputes-amid-german-political-debates

### 2026-09-23: BioNTech founders announce new pharmaceutical company Arife

BioNTech founders Uğur Şahin and Özlem Türeci have named their new mRNA-focused pharmaceutical company Arife, which will be headquartered in Mainz, Germany.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/biontech-founders-announce-new-pharmaceutical-company-arife

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Cite as: BioNTech leadership transition and new company formation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/biontech-leadership-transition-and-new-company-formation