Pfizer and BioNTech Collaborate to Develop mRNA-Based Influenza Vaccines

BioNTech AG, a growing biotechnology company focused on precise immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer and infectious disease, has entered into a multi-year research and development collaboration with Pfizer to develop mRNA-based vaccines for prevention of influenza (flu).

Under the terms of the agreement, BioNTech and Pfizer will jointly conduct research and development activities to help advance mRNA-based flu vaccines. Pfizer will assume sole responsibility for further clinical development and commercialization of mRNA-based flu vaccines, following BioNTech’s completion of a first in human clinical study.

BioNTech will receive $120 million in upfront, equity and near-term research payments and up to an additional $305 million in potential development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments. In addition, BioNTech will receive up to double-digit tiered royalty payments associated with worldwide sales if the program reaches commercialization.

BioNTech is an industry leader in mRNA vaccine approaches with validated science, innovative manufacturing expertise and a broad understanding of the clinical applications of this technology.

Kathrin Jansen, senior VP and head of Pfizer’s Vaccine Research and Development Unit said, “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.”

(Source: BioNTech AG)