The Mainz-based biotech firm BioNTech is closing several sites in Germany and abroad. The facilities affected include those in Marburg, Idar-Oberstein, and Tübingen, as well as a plant in Singapore. Furthermore, facilities belonging to the acquired company CureVac face closure. Up to 1,860 jobs could be eliminated by the end of 2027. At the same time, BioNTech is discontinuing the production of COVID-19 vaccines in Germany. Going forward, manufacturing will be taken over by its U.S. partner, Pfizer. The reasons behind these moves are declining demand, excess capacity, and high costs within the existing production network. (handelsblatt: 05.05.26)
Pandemic-Driven Billions in Revenue Evaporate
During the coronavirus pandemic, BioNTech was hailed as a flagship German enterprise. Vaccine production generated billions in revenue and transformed Mainz into a hub of the mRNA industry. Furthermore, new facilities were built and additional production capacities established in a remarkably short time. Now, the company is dismantling precisely this structure.
However, in the first quarter of 2026, the vaccine business suffered a massive collapse. According to company figures, revenue plummeted to just 118 million euros. At the same time, losses surged to more than 530 million euros. Consequently, BioNTech plans to significantly reduce its costs. Starting in 2029, the company aims to generate annual savings of approximately 500 million euros.
Facilities to be Sold or Closed
The restructuring hits the Marburg site particularly hard. BioNTech had established substantial production capacities there during the pandemic. Moreover, the facility had long been considered a vital pillar of Europe’s vaccine supply. Now, that site is slated for closure or sale—a fate shared by facilities in Idar-Oberstein and Tübingen.
The former CureVac headquarters in Tübingen also faces closure. BioNTech had acquired its competitor only in early 2026; nevertheless, comprehensive job cuts are now set to follow. Meanwhile, within Germany, the company’s presence—aside from its headquarters in Mainz—will be reduced to a limited network of office locations in Berlin and Munich.
BioNTech Shifts Focus to Cancer Medicine
The company is now directing its focus toward cancer treatments utilizing mRNA technology. Several new therapies are slated for regulatory approval by 2030. Furthermore, BioNTech continues to invest substantial sums in research and development; however, this places additional strain on its balance sheet.
In contrast, the production of conventional COVID-19 vaccines now plays only a minor role. “Over the course of this year, we will manufacture the final batches here in Germany,” the company stated. Going forward, Pfizer will assume full responsibility for manufacturing. This marks the close of a chapter that, during the pandemic, stood as a symbol of Germany’s newfound strength in biotechnology.