BioNTech Acquires CureVac to Advance mRNA Cancer Therapies and End Patent Disputes

BioNTech announced on June 12, 2025, that it will acquire fellow German mRNA company CureVac in an all-stock deal valued at approximately $1.25 billion1 2 3 4.

The merger brings together two companies that originally competed as rivals in the COVID-19 vaccine race:
BioNTech, whose Comirnaty vaccine developed with Pfizer achieved global success, and CureVac, whose COVID-19 vaccine failed in late-stage trials and whose vaccine arm was later sold to GSK1.

While CureVac was not in immediate financial distress—with over $500 million in cash reserves—the acquisition is expected to unify their complementary scientific capabilities, proprietary technologies, and manufacturing expertise in mRNA research, with a strong focus on advancing cancer immunotherapies1 5.

The transaction is expected to be completed later in 2025 and was unanimously approved by both companies’ management boards4 5.

This merger is also likely to end ongoing global patent disputes between BioNTech and CureVac over mRNA technology, with a court hearing previously scheduled for July 20251 5.

Following the acquisition, CureVac’s operating subsidiary and research/manufacturing site in Tübingen, Germany, will become part of BioNTech, strengthening BioNTech’s innovation and production capabilities in mRNA-based therapies2 4 5.