CAPTION: BioNTech expects Omicron variant vaccines results within weeks. (picture alliance/dpa)
Results of clinical studies looking at whether BioNTech vaccines repurposed to combat Omicron variants of the coronavirus are effective and safe are expected "in the coming weeks," the German company said.
Assuming the tests are successful, talks with regulators are expected soon after the results come in, said chief executive Ugur Sahin during an online meeting. BioNTech released one of the first successful vaccines against the coronavirus, in collaboration with US firm Pfizer.
The company reported continued strong demand for vaccine shipments, with about 2.4 million doses expected to be delivered this year, according to data from the end of April. Chief financial officer Jens Holstein said revenues are expected to be in the range of €13 billion to €17 billion ($13.9 billion to $18.2 billion) this year.
Sahin said the success of the coronavirus vaccine has turned the company into an "immunotherapy powerhouse," opening doors for work on products to fight cancer and other infectious diseases, with products possibly available in three to five years.
The mRNA technology used to deliver its coronavirus vaccine should also be able to be repurposed for autoimmune diseases, circulatory disorders and for regenerative medicine, said Sahin.
BioNTech was in an "extremely unusual situation" in terms of being able to help shape the future of medicine, he said.
The company reported that it has 3,000 employees worldwide, with 51% of its workforce female. In the upper management tiers, the percentage of women is at 43%.
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