In the global race to create a vaccine against the corona virus, the Confederation of the German Biotech company Curevac enters.

As Federal Economics Minister, Peter Altmaier (CDU) said on Monday, takes on the government development Bank KfW for a 300 million euros, approximately 23 percent of the shares. The objective is to give the companies of the majority shareholder Dietmar Hopp’s financial security. On business decisions, the state would have no influence. The company, based in Tübingen, is researching since January on a vaccine.

Corona-crisis: the importance of the biotechnology sector is visible

Altmaier said the participation was at the same time, industrial policy is of high importance. Important research results and technologies would be needed in Germany and Europe. Background the goal of the Federal government to achieve in the manufacture of active substances and the vaccine production more independence is. “With this investment, we take a first step in this direction.” The technology of Curevac, have the potential to develop new vaccines and treatment options for many people.

Hopp explained by the Corona of the crisis was to become the high importance of the biotechnology industry for the patients, society and the world. He was pleased that this was recognized by the state, and this key industry on the early research also supported. Hopp, the co-founder of software group SAP, so far holds through an investment company, around 80 percent of the shares of Curevac. For the state, he sold no shares, this will be conducted via a capital increase.

US President, Donald Trump invited Curevac, Chairman

Worldwide, a race arose, who developed the first vaccine against the Coronavirus. When it is so far, is uncertain. On Curevac, the hopes rested already, before the Coronavirus in Germany began to spread. At the end of January, the international vaccine collaboration CEPI issued the company with a funding commitment of 8.3 million US dollars (about 7.5 million euros).

The work of Curevac said. In early March, US President, Donald Trump invited the then Chairman of the Board of Curevac, Dan Menichella, and other pharmaceutical representatives to the White house to learn about the vaccine search. Shortly thereafter, there was a vortex to the tübingen-based company. According to media reports, Trump was trying to secure the vaccine exclusively for his country, and offered the company a high amount. The indignation was great.

The main shareholder of the Hopp had rejected a sale of the company and exclusive production vehemently. “I didn’t say that, for me, completely out of the question. And, I suppose, so I’ve broken down at Curevac open doors,“ he said on Monday.

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Altmaier sees Investment as a clear Signal for Germany as a location for

The company had denied an offer Trumps and speculation about the sale to be rejected. Altmaier wants to know the Investment now as a clear Signal for Germany as a location understood. “We are convinced that Curevac will also remain in the future a German company that operates internationally successful,” he said.

“It is right, if the state is willing to bear risks that private investors may hesitate,” said the Green politician Danyal Bayaz. In the industry there was talk on Monday of a good Signal that the Federal government engage in this Form for Biotech companies. It can also be a reaction to the growing pressure from the United States be seen to have priority access to a vaccine.

According to the Association of research-based pharmaceutical company, from may globally, there were more than 120 vaccine projects, from small companies such as Curevac and Biontech (Mainz) is up to corporations such as Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline. According to the consultancy firm EY, the industry has produced in a very short time until the beginning of June, 161 vaccine candidates, as well as 242 therapeutic Test agents. In addition, worldwide, more than 700 Corona have been developed-Tests, or already on the market, such as EY said. These Figures change almost daily. According to the authors, only a fraction of the product candidates but has actually a Chance to come on the market.

Curevac was founded in Tübingen, Germany, and employs 460 staff

Curevac has announced to start this month, the first clinical study. The company was founded in the year 2000 from the University of Tübingen and has 460 employees. The European Union had announced for the development of the vaccine up to 80 million euros as a support.

According to the Federal Ministry of health by the weekend, Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands have concluded a first contract for at least 300 million doses of the vaccine against the Coronavirus. Contract partner is the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca is. Should benefit accordingly, all EU member States that want to be there.

In order to protect certain products “Made in Germany” is better from Takeovers by foreign investors, had decided on the Federal government by the end of may, a sharper external economic regulation. Therefore, a reporting requirement takes effect in the future, when companies from countries that want to purchase outside of the European Union share of more than 10 percent of German companies, vaccines, drugs, or personal Corona protection equipment to develop or produce.

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