Biontech has acquired full global rights to a promising new treatment called BNT327/PM8002. This acquisition is part of Biontech's strategy to strengthen its cancer research and treatment capabilities, particularly in developing combination therapies using BNT327/PM8002. 

“The acquisition of Biotheus builds on our successful ongoing collaboration on BNT327/PM8002 and other investigational bispecific antibodies,” said Ugur Sahin, CEO and co-founder of Biontech. "We believe that BNT327/PM8002 has the potential to set a new standard of care in multiple oncology indications, surpassing traditional checkpoint inhibitors. We are committed to advancing its research and development in combination with our investigational mRNA vaccines, targeted therapies, and immunomodulators with the aim of enhancing outcomes for patients with solid tumors."

“We are thrilled to deepen our bond with Biontech. We share the goal of advancing the development of BNT327/PM8002 for future combination therapies in the fight against cancer,” said Xiaolin Liu, President, CEO, and Co-Founder of Biotheus. “We believe that BNT327/PM8002 holds significant potential across various tumor indications, and we have an exciting pipeline of innovative investigational assets under development including an antibody discovery and development platform. As we move forward, we are committed to leveraging our strengths with the aim of advancing transformative cancer treatments and enhance our ability to develop treatments for patients in need.”

Under the terms of the agreement, BioNTech will pay Biotheus shareholders an upfront consideration of $800 million (€758 million), predominantly in cash, with a small portion in American depositary shares (ADS), to acquire 100% of the issued share capital, subject to customary purchase price adjustments, plus additional performance-based contingent payments of up to $150 million (€142 million) if certain milestones are met. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. The acquisition follows an initial exclusive global license and collaboration agreement between Biontech and Biotheus, which closed in November 2023, granting BioNTech the rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize BNT327/PM8002 globally ex-Greater China.

Upon closing, Biontech will gain full rights to Biotheus’ pipeline candidates and its in-house bispecific antibody-drug conjugate capability. The acquisition will expand Biontech’s footprint in China, adding a local research and development hub to conduct clinical trials. In addition, Biontech will gain a state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing facility to contribute to its future global manufacturing and supply, and more than 300 Biotheus employees in R&D, manufacturing, and enabling functions are expected to join the Biontech workforce.