BioNTech SE (NASDAQ:BNTX) shares are down during Tuesday’s premarket session as the company announced plans for its co-founders to transition into a new venture focused on next-generation mRNA innovations.

With both companies focusing on their respective strategic priorities, BioNTech expects to maximize value for patients and shareholders alike.

Unexpected Transition

Co-founders Ugur Sahin and Özlem Türeci will move to lead their new company by the end of 2026, with BioNTech’s Supervisory Board initiating an executive search for successors.

The new venture aims to advance mRNA technologies, while BioNTech will sharpen its focus on its existing pipeline, which includes 15 ongoing Phase 3 clinical trials in oncology by year-end.

2026 will also be the first year in which BioNTech expects multiple late-stage data readouts across major cancer types. The clinical trials and resulting data will inform regulatory and launch plans.

BNTX Earnings Beat Estimates

BioNTech reported:

Fourth-quarter loss of 38 cents (33 cents in euros), beating the consensus of a loss of 47 cents.

Sales of $1.06 billion (907.4 million euros), beating the consensus of $889.48 million.

A quarterly year-on-year sales decrease was ...