BioNTech reports progress on oncology strategy and solid financial base in Q2 2025

BioNTech SE has published its results for the second quarter of 2025 and provided insights into its strategic business development. Despite continuing losses, the company strengthens its position in oncology, expands its mRNA competencies and remains financially solid.

Oncology and mRNA technology

Business development focuses on two pan-tumor programs: an mRNA cancer immunotherapy candidate and the bispecific antibody candidate BNT327, which targets both PD-L1 and VEGF-A. A strategic collaboration was entered into with Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) to establish a broad clinical development program for BNT327. Both companies will share development, production costs and profits.

At the same time, BioNTech announced the planned acquisition of CureVac N.V. A strategic move to strengthen the company's proprietary mRNA platforms, particularly in the areas of design, formulation and manufacturing.

Sales growth with continued net loss

BioNTech generated sales of € 260.8 million in the second quarter of 2025 (Q2 2024: € 128.7 million), mainly due to increased sales in the COVID-19 business. The net loss decreased year-on-year from € 807.8 million to € 386.6 million. Earnings per share amounted to € -1.60.

For the first half of 2025, turnover amounted to € 443.6 million with a net loss of € 802.4 million. Both research and administrative costs were reduced compared to the same period of the previous year, partly due to a reprioritization of clinical trials and fewer external services.

Strategic financial strengthening through BMS collaboration

BioNTech expects to receive an upfront payment of USD 1.5 billion from BMS in the third quarter. Further unconditional payments totaling USD 2 billion are expected to be made between 2026 and 2028. In addition, BMS is entitled to receive up to USD 7.6 billion in milestone payments during the development and commercialization phase of BNT327.

The agreement provides for an equal split of development costs and revenues. A model that means predictable income and additional liquidity for BioNTech.

Another operational advance: the EU Commission has approved BioNTech's variant-adapted COVID-19 vaccine. The market launch is planned from August 2025, but is dependent on approvals in other markets.

Financial basis remains solid

Our measures are taking effect and the cooperation with BMS will further strengthen our financial base.

Ramón Zapata, CFO Biontech

At the end of the quarter, BioNTech had € 16 billion in cash and cash equivalents and securities. The new CFO Ramón Zapata believes the company is strategically well positioned.

Outlook confirmed, share price trending positive

Despite the net loss, BioNTech confirms its financial guidance for the full year 2025. The operational strategy remains focused on a leading role in the field of personalized oncology in the long term. Following the announcement of the quarterly figures, BioNTech shares were initially friendly and rose slightly in early trading.

However, the company did not comment further on the planned job cuts. In Marburg, between 250 and 350 full-time positions are to be cut at BioNTech by 2027 at the latest. The planned cuts are causing resistance in the region: around 4,000 people demonstrated against the job cuts last week. In total, up to 1,000 jobs could be lost at BioNTech, CSL Behring and Nexelis at the pharmaceutical site in Marburg.