BioNTech CEO Ugur Sahin joins world's 500 richest after UK approves its COVID-19 vaccine

After Pfizer-BioNTech caused a stir across world for bagging world’s first formal authorisation of its COVID-19 vaccine in UK, BioNTech founder Ugur Sahin achieved ar milestone by joining world’s 500 richest people list. On December 3, Sahin became 493rd-richest person in world as his German pharmaceutical company’s stock jumped almost 8% this week following UK approval. According to Bloomberg Billionaire’s index, BioNTech’s shares this year are up more than 250% and Sahin’s net worth has reached $5.1 billion. 

UK on December 2 became first country in world to approve Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine candidate for widespre use. British regulator, MHRA has said that mRNA-based vaccine that has shown 95 per cent efficacy, is safe for mass roll out with immunisations in country starting "early next week" among high priority groups. Britain has reportedly alrey placed an order of 40 million doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine to provide double-dose immunisation to at least 20 million people. 

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‘Highly ethical research programme’

Earlier, BioNTech CEO Ugur Sahin also said that company's aim is to ensure a safe and effective vaccine. He also credited that speedy approval by Britain is "scientifically rigorous" and "highly ethical research programme."

“ Emergency Use Authorization in U.K. will mark first time citizens outside of trials will have opportunity to be immunized against COVID-19,” said Ugur Sahin, M.D., CEO and Co-founder of BioNTech.

“We believe that roll-out of vaccination program in U.K. will reduce number of people in high-risk population being hospitalized. Our aim is to bring a safe and effective vaccine upon approval to people who need it. data submitted to regulatory ncies around world are result of a scientifically rigorous and highly ethical research and development program," he ded.

However, Pfizer Inc’s CEO Albert Bourla has most recently said that company is “t certain” if its COVID-19 vaccine candidate developed in collaboration with German drugmaker BioNTech SE prevented transmission of vel coronavirus. In a recent interview with NBC, when Bourla was asked by host if he will be able to transmit infection to or people if he is immunised, Pfizer CEO replied that “it needs to be examined”.

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