“BioNTech goes – what does Germany do?” article by Dr. Ute Kilger and Elmar Jehn in the magazine “European Biotechnology”
BioNTech, the superstar of mRNA research, announces its strategic partnership with the British government at the beginning of January 2023 and with it the establishment of a regional headquarters for the company in London for the development and application of personalised mRNA therapies and vaccines against cancer.
A step that raises questions about Germany as a research location. The framework conditions for such projects seem to be more attractive elsewhere – shouldn’t this be a wake-up call for the German biotech industry?
In their article “BioNTech goeas – what does Germany do?” in the spring issue of the trade magazine “European Biotechnology”, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner and patent attorney Dr. Ute Kilger and Elmar Jehn, partner at Global Nation Consulting, analyse the German response to the BioN-Tech decision and attest to the fact that politics and industry representatives are generally too defensive in international competition.
While politicians have to make the framework conditions more efficient and research-friendly, the biotech industry itself has to represent its interests more clearly. What is needed is greater self-confidence in view of the immense contribution of research-based companies to the well-being of people and the economy. What is needed is a political and media offensive that focuses on the achievements of biotech and at the same time conveys understanding and knowledge for the requirements of a successful research future.
BioNTech’s decision shows that others in the industry must exert all the more influence on German politics to push forward legislative projects for faster procedures for the approval of factories, medicines and research projects.
The article of Dr. Ute Kilger and Elmar Jehn is available in English here on page 12 of the e-Journal of European Biotechnology.
