Berlin, May 6 (SANA) German biotechnology company BioNTech said Tuesday it has begun developing an updated vaccine designed to target viral variants expected to circulate during the 2026/2027 season, as part of ongoing efforts to expand its RNA-based vaccine technologies.
According to the German Press Agency (dpa), the company also announced a restructuring plan that includes changes to production operations in Germany and Singapore by 2027. BioNTech said the measures are expected to generate around 500 million euros ($540 million), which will be redirected toward research and development, particularly in cancer therapies.
The company said it is increasing investments in immunotherapy and RNA-based medicines aimed at developing treatments for cancer and other chronic diseases in the coming years.
BioNTech also said it is accelerating research efforts following its acquisition of CureVac and expects to submit several applications for approval of new cancer treatments by 2030.
The restructuring plan is expected to result in job cuts due to declining demand for COVID-19 vaccines and reduced production capacity. The company confirmed that the changes will affect facilities in Germany as well as its production site in Singapore.
BioNTech said the shift reflects its broader strategy of focusing on innovative treatments for cancer and chronic illnesses while continuing to adapt vaccine technologies to emerging viral variants.
N.J/ABD