BioNTech Agrees to Acquire CureVac in $1.25B mRNA Cancer Deal

Germany's BioNTech has agreed to acquire domestic rival CureVac in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $1.25 billion, aiming to advance mRNA-based cancer treatments. The deal, expected to close in 2025 pending regulatory approval, will see CureVac shareholders receive BioNTech American Depositary Shares valued at about $5.46 per CureVac share, representing a significant premium. This acquisition merges the two companies' complementary mRNA technology platforms, research expertise, and manufacturing capabilities, strengthening BioNTech's oncology strategy focused on innovative cancer immunotherapies. BioNTech CEO Ugur Sahin described the transaction as a key milestone for establishing new standards of care across various cancer types. CureVac CEO Alexander Zehnder highlighted the consolidation of scientific, technological, and manufacturing know-how under one entity to further innovation in mRNA therapeutics. Both firms previously competed in the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine race but now seek to leverage their combined strengths for broader therapeutic applications beyond the pandemic.