In the spring of 2020, as the world was engulfed in the Corona pandemic, Lübeck-based physician and entrepreneur Winfried Stöcker began working on a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 in his private laboratory. Stöcker, an experienced immunologist and founder of the diagnostics company Euroimmun, which he sold in 2017 for 1.2 billion euros, developed a protein-based antigen he named "LubecaVax." His approach was classic: a recombinant spike protein, produced in cell cultures, was intended to trigger antibody formation without using the novel mRNA technology from BioNTech or Moderna. Stöcker first tested the antigen on himself, later on family members and volunteers. Neutralization tests, including those by Christian Drosten at Charité, confirmed the formation of virus-neutralizing antibodies. Stöcker claimed his vaccine was safe, effective, and could be produced in large quantities – up to one million doses per day with a 2000-liter reactor. However, instead of recognition, he faced criminal charges, police raids, and media controversy. While BioNTech… 

Euroimmun Medizinische Labordiagnostika AG, a leading company in medical diagnostics, has come a long way since its founding in 1987. Founded by Professor Dr. Winfried Stöcker in Lübeck, Euroimmun developed from a small start-up into a globally active group, now known for its innovative test systems for the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and allergies. At the same time, Stöcker, a physician and entrepreneur, shaped the company and its culture, but also left his mark through controversial actions and statements that attracted attention beyond the scientific world. This article examines the development of Euroimmun, the role of its founder, and what has become of both, in an objective, medical context. Euroimmun's history began at a time when medical laboratory diagnostics was far less automated than it is today. Winfried Stöcker, born in 1947 in Rennersdorf in the Upper Lusatia region, studied medicine and then...

Berlin, June 28, 2025 – In Germany, a country known for its stable democracy and scientific excellence, there are increasing signs of a worrying development: the erosion of democratic principles in scientific laboratories. This trend is evident in increasing control, restricted freedom of expression, precarious working conditions, and a shift in research autonomy. The consequences range from a threat to scientific integrity to a weakening of public trust in science. This report analyzes the causes, mechanisms, and effects of this development, highlights historical parallels, and examines the consequences for Germany and beyond. The analysis remains objective, value-free, and evidence-based in order to provide a nuanced picture. Introduction: Science as a Mirror of Society Scientific laboratories are more than just places of research; they are microcosms where societal values, power structures, and democratic principles are reflected. In Germany, where institutions such as the Max Planck Society, the Helmholtz Association…

Berlin, June 28, 2025 – The German biotechnology sector is the focus of critical debates: While it gained global attention during the Corona pandemic with mRNA vaccines, experts are now warning of an impending decline. The international comparison shows a mixed picture of strengths, untapped potential, and growing challenges. This report analyzes the industry's situation based on current data and compares it with global competitors. Growth with braking marks According to the BIOCOM company survey 2024, which recorded key figures for 2023, the German biotech industry recorded revenue growth despite economic stagnation. Excluding the pandemic-related decline at BioNTech, revenue increased from €8.1 billion (2022) to €8.75 billion (+8%). The number of dedicated biotech companies grew to 798, and the number of employees to 47,400 (+10%). Research and development (R&D) expenditures reached a record €3.74 billion (+12.2%), with BioNTech's oncology research (€1.78 billion) accounting for a large portion. Nevertheless, growth remains...