The9 Set to Retain Majority Stake in $1.5B NYB-RFAI Deal, Backing Breakthrough AI Drug Discovery

NYB's $1.5 Billion Nasdaq Debut Is Backed by The9 and Highlights a New Era in AI-Powered Biotech

Nanyang Biologics (NYB), the Singapore-based innovator integrating artificial intelligence with drug discovery, is making a public debut on Nasdaq through a $1.5 billion business combination with RF Acquisition Corp II (RFAI). The9 Limited (NASDAQ:NCTY), a founding backer, will keep a controlling stake after the deal closes—a major sign of long-term commitment to NYB’s pipeline of AI-powered medicines and therapeutics.

Flagship AI Platform Surpasses Competitors by 27% and Targets Massive Oncology Demand

NYB’s proprietary platform, Vecura™ AI, harnesses the power of the DTIGN engine—recently recognized for outperforming industry rivals by 27% in peer-reviewed benchmarking. Notably, the company’s first-in-class drug candidate NB-A002 targets the previously undruggable ILF2 protein in HRD cancers, addressing the $8.3 billion DDR therapy market, which is forecasted to grow to $19.5 billion by the mid-2030s. This innovation is especially promising for patient populations where 91% of pan-cancer cases in China present actionable DDR/HRD alterations, offering hope in areas long underserved by existing treatments.

Strategic Partnerships and Patent Strength Drive Pipeline Expansion

NYB operates an AI-guided discovery platform built on collaborations with leading names like NVIDIA, HP, and Equinix, and underpinned by a pioneering joint lab with Nanyang Technological University, ranked second globally for AI research. NYB's portfolio covers five molecules aimed at critical needs in oncology, cardiovascular, and mental health. Importantly, the company has secured a broad international patent position for its discoveries and technology, supporting its strategy for global expansion.

The9 Limited Emerges as a Long-Term Beneficiary—What Does This Mean for Investors?

The9’s commitment to rolling over 100% of its equity and retaining board influence underscores confidence in NYB’s long-term vision and leadership. The resulting combined company—anchored by AI innovation and diverse biotech pipelines—positions The9 as a key player in the future of precision medicine. Investors will likely pay close attention as NYB pushes new AI models and first-in-class therapeutics toward commercialization in areas where traditional drug discovery has fallen short.

Deal Timeline and Key Risks to Watch

The deal has cleared board approval on both sides and is expected to close in the first half of 2026, pending shareholder and regulatory green lights. While enthusiasm is high, potential investors should be mindful of standard risks: the need for regulatory approvals, execution challenges as NYB expands its product pipeline, and uncertainties inherent in biotech R&D and SPAC mergers. Full transaction details will be filed with the SEC and made available to shareholders in due course.

Key Takeaway: The9's Stake Poises NCTY for Unique Exposure to the Future of AI-Powered Healthcare

With its stake in NYB, The9 Limited stands to gain from breakthroughs in AI-driven biotech—especially as new treatments progress from discovery to the clinic. This partnership between The9 and NYB illustrates how the fusion of technology and life sciences may not only address some of the world’s toughest medical challenges, but also redefine value creation for forward-thinking shareholders.

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