BioNTech, the company that led the world’s first Covid-19 vaccine, has announced the long-awaited launch date for revolutionary cancer drugs. Founders Prof. Dr. Özlem Türeci and Prof. Dr. Uğur Şahin are diving into their groundbreaking plans to release the first cancer vaccine by 2026.
The German biotechnology company, known for its Covid-19 vaccine, has revealed an ambitious timeline to bring a groundbreaking cancer vaccine to the market. In an exclusive interview with “Focus” magazine, Founders Prof. Dr. Özlem Türeci and Prof. Dr. Uğur Şahin express their determination to release the first cancer vaccines by 2026.
Prof. Dr. Şahin shares his views on decades-long cancer research, emphasizing the fruits of their efforts. The team has progressed to the approval stage for an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting metastatic breast cancer and another antibody for a type of lung cancer. Additionally, plans are underway to complete phase 2 or phase 3 trials for ten vaccine candidates by the end of the year, potentially paving the way for registrations.
Highlighting ongoing successful clinical trials for 30 cancer types, including skin, intestinal, uterine, prostate, and lung cancers, Prof. Dr. Şahin envisions building a comprehensive cancer treatment portfolio by 2030. He notes that the use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence has accelerated research in the medical field, stating, “Everything in medicine is progressing much faster than before.”
Prof. Dr. Türeci emphasizes the significant strides BioNTech has made in its cancer treatment programs, particularly in melanoma treatment. Acknowledging the uniqueness of each patient’s cancer cells, BioNTech focuses on personalized cancer treatments and foresees a potential decrease in the need for chemotherapy in the coming years.
Türeci explains BioNTech’s approach of harnessing the body’s own defense system to fight cancer, opening the door to more precise treatments that do not compromise overall health. Ongoing studies on antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) further demonstrate the potential of mRNA technology used in Covid-19 treatment.
While BioNTech continues its groundbreaking research, the possibility of a cancer vaccine signifies a transformative era in medical advancements and offers hope for more targeted and less invasive cancer treatments.