Biotech enters multi-year R&D collaboration with Pfizer

Biotechnology company, BioNTech, has entered into a multi-year research and development (R&D) collaboration with Pfizer for the development of mRNA-based vaccines for the prevention of influenza (flu).

Under the terms of the agreement, the companies will work together to advance mRNA-based flu vaccines with Pfizer assuming sole responsibilities for further clinical development and commercialisation of any resulting products once BioNTech has completed first in-human clinical studies.

“Today’s agreement with Pfizer is one of a number of steps that we are taking to rapidly build a sustainable R&D presence in infectious disease, combining our deep understanding of the immune system to treat disease with the cutting-edge technologies and significant infrastructure that we have built-up over many years to develop immunotherapy treatments,” explained Dr Ugur Sahin, co-founder and CEO of BioNTech. “A significant presence in infectious disease supports our goal of building a global immunotherapy company that provides more effective and precise immune-mediated approaches for the prevention and treatment of serious illnesses, such as the prevention of flu and the treatment of cancer.”

“Innovative vaccine approaches are urgently needed to provide improved protection against seasonal flu, and to respond rapidly and in quantity to pandemic influenza threats,” added Kathrin Jansen, senior vice president and head of Pfizer’s Vaccine Research and Development Unit. “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. BioNTech is one of the industry leaders in mRNA technology and we are looking forward to working closely with them to help bring cutting-edge mRNA influenza vaccines to the market to improve people’s lives.”

As per the agreement, 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 programme reaches commercialisation.