BioNTech to halt COVID-19 vaccine production, shift focus to cancer research

BioNTech is ending its own production of the COVID-19 vaccine, transferring full responsibility to Pfizer. The move follows restructuring that includes facility closures and job reductions.

By Emma McCann1 min read

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BioNTech has announced it will cease production of its COVID-19 vaccine in Germany, ending operations at facilities in Idar-Oberstein, Marburg, Tübingen, and Singapore. The company confirmed it would produce the final doses in 2026, transferring all future output to its US partner Pfizer.

The restructuring includes closing the Tübingen site, previously acquired from CureVac in late 2025. Up to 1,860 jobs may be affected across the affected sites, with closures expected by the end of 2027. The company plans to explore sale options for the closed facilities.

BioNTech cited declining demand for the vaccine, now mainly used by high-risk groups. The company is redirecting resources to cancer research, including the Pumitamig antibody currently in global phase 2 trials. It reported a net loss of €531.9 million for the year.