BioNTech (BNTX) and Biotheus announced the signing of a definitive agreement for the acquisition of Biotheus, a clinical-stage biotechnology

BioNTech SE (Nasdaq: BNTX, "BioNTech") and Biotheus ("Biotheus") today announced the signing of a definitive agreement for the acquisition of Biotheus, a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery and development of novel antibodies to address unmet medical needs of patients with oncological or inflammatory diseases.

BioNTech has acquired Chinese cancer drugmaker Biotheus in a near $1bn deal, as the Covid-19 vaccine maker taps into the country’s health sciences expertise to develop promising immunotherapy drugs. The deal gives the German biotech control of a drug class that has shown potential to outperform Merck’s blockbuster cancer treatment Keytruda,

The tie-up will also expand BioNTech's footprint in China, giving it a local research and development hub for clinical trials, as well as a new biologics manufacturing facility and more than 300 Biotheus employees,

BioNTech (NASDAQ:BNTX) said it has agreed to buy bispecific antibody developer Biotheus for up to $950M, including $150M in potential milestone payments. Under the deal, BioNTech (BNTX) will pay $800M in cash and American depositary shares to acquire all of the issued share capital of Biotheus.