- A gripping documentary about the inventors of the world's first clinically-approved Covid-19 Vaccine and how their unknown startup, BioNTech, surprised everyone with its breakthrough in mRNA technology and answer to the global pandemic.
- Since the beginning of the 21st century, scientists Ugur Sahin and Ozlem Tureci have pursued the goal of creating individual-specific cancer treatments. They established an organization named BioNTech, which focused on the revolutionary mRNA technology.
In 2020, BioNTech achieved a medical milestone with its invention of the world's first approved COVID-19 vaccine, also simultaneously the world's first successful clinical use of mRNA. This medical technology works by assisting the body to produce its own antigens against the virus. The "m" in mRNA means messenger, while RNA stands for ribonucleic acid.
The idea of using mRNA technology for vaccines was first conceived in January 2020 by Sahin, after he and Tureci read about a virus which had recently been identified in Wuhan, China. Within hours, BioNTech made the pivotal decision to launch its quest for a viable vaccine. The initial steps required much funding and grit. The brothers Andreas and Thomas Strüngmann, who had founded the pharmaceutical giant Hexal, were among its first financial backers. The German government soon pledged its support, pumping in up to EUR375 million (US$445) in grants.
With the requisite funding now secured, the development of the vaccine began in earnest. Despite many unresolved questions in the beginning, their persistence ultimately paid off. A partnership with Pharma Giant Pfizer sped up the testing phase and Comirnaty was approved. Its efficacy now determined, millions around the world went on to be successfully vaccinated with the new drug.
But what does the future hold for mRNA in cancer research, malaria or autoimmune diseases? The documentary shows the broad-ranging effect this small startup company in Mainz, Germany, is now having on health, on a global scale. It also reveals what can happen when venture capitalist investors adopt a more holistic strategy with a view towards long-term success.
"Filmmaker Michael Schindhelm has gained the opportunity to take a closer look at this revolutionary company." - SRF & Arte
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By what name was In Lichtgeschwindigkeit zum Impfstoff (2021) officially released in Canada in English?
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