YD Bio Limited Enters into Binding Letter of Intent to Acquire Safe Save Medical Cell Sciences & Technology Co., Ltd., Bolstering Leadership in Advanced Immunocell Therapy

Rhea-AI Summary

YD Bio (Nasdaq: YDES) entered a binding Letter of Intent on January 20, 2026 to acquire Safe Save Medical Cell Sciences & Technology Co., Ltd. (SSMC) for NT$839,832,000 (about US$26.87M).

SSMC brings an ADCTA autologous dendritic cell platform with a Phase III glioblastoma program, collaborations with nine Taiwanese medical centers, and consideration to be paid in cash and newly issued YD Bio shares subject to 6-month and 1-year lock-ups. Due diligence target is March 20, 2026, with closing anticipated within 30 days thereafter, subject to customary conditions.

Positive

• Acquisition consideration of NT$839,832,000 (≈US$26.87M)
• Adds a Phase III glioblastoma autologous dendritic cell program
• Brings an ADCTA platform and collaborations with nine medical centers

Negative

• Transaction to be paid partly with newly issued shares, creating potential shareholder dilution
• Closing subject to due diligence and SSMC corporate restructuring, creating execution and timing risk

News Market Reaction – YDES

-9.89%

2 alerts

-9.89% News Effect

+4.6% Peak Tracked

-$91M Valuation Impact

$830M Market Cap

0.9x Rel. Volume

On the day this news was published, YDES declined 9.89%, reflecting a notable negative market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +4.6% during that session. Our momentum scanner triggered 2 alerts that day, indicating moderate trading interest and price volatility. This price movement removed approximately $91M from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $830M at that time.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Acquisition consideration: NT$839,832,000 Acquisition value (USD): US$26.87 million Equity interest acquired: 100% +5 more

8 metrics

Acquisition consideration NT$839,832,000 Total consideration for 100% of SSMC via KY Company

Acquisition value (USD) US$26.87 million Approximate value of NT$839,832,000 consideration

Equity interest acquired 100% Equity interests of Safe Save Cell (KY) Holdings Limited

Due diligence deadline March 20, 2026 Target date to complete due diligence for SSMC acquisition

Post‑DD closing window 30 days Anticipated closing timeframe after due diligence completion

2024 net revenue $510,360 thousand Year ended December 31, 2024 (from 6‑K investor presentation)

2023 net revenue $350,131 thousand Year ended December 31, 2023 (from 6‑K investor presentation)

Revenue increase $160,229 thousand (46%) Increase in net revenue from 2023 to 2024

Market Reality Check

Price: $8.02 Vol: Volume 13,254 is well bel...

low vol

$8.02 Last Close

Volume Volume 13,254 is well below the 20-day average of 60,886 (relative volume 0.22), suggesting limited pre‑news positioning. low

Technical Shares trade below the 200-day MA, at 12.24 vs 200-day MA of 14.06, after a 0.66% gain in the last session.

Peers on Argus

Biotech peers showed mixed moves: PHVS up 3.41%, while ABCL, BHVN, JANX and SNDX...

Biotech peers showed mixed moves: PHVS up 3.41%, while ABCL, BHVN, JANX and SNDX fell between 3.35% and 5.3%. With YDES up 0.66% pre‑news and no peers in momentum, trading appears more stock‑specific than sector‑driven.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 06 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 06	MOU acquisition/AI	Positive	-8.0%	Non-binding MOU to merge with EG BioMed for AI-driven cancer diagnostics.
Jan 05	Strategic roadmap	Positive	+5.7%	Announcement of 2026 clinical and commercial roadmap and CMC milestones.
Dec 16	US expansion plans	Positive	+1.0%	Plans for California operations center to support U.S. trials and access.
Dec 09	Expo showcase	Positive	-18.4%	Showcasing diagnostic and precision medicine portfolio at Taiwan healthcare expo.
Dec 02	Clinical data update	Positive	+3.7%	Expansion of OkaiDx™ testing and detailed pancreatic cancer detection data.

Pattern Detected

Recent positive operational and deal news has produced mixed reactions, with several strategic updates followed by both rallies and selloffs, indicating inconsistent alignment between upbeat announcements and short-term price moves.

Recent Company History

Over the past two months, YD Bio reported a series of strategic and clinical milestones, including expanded OkaiDx™ cancer testing in the U.S. with strong reported performance metrics, exhibition activity at the 9th Healthcare Expo Taiwan, and plans for a new California operations center aligned with U.S. clinical and regulatory expansion. In early 2026, the company outlined a robust 2026 clinical and commercial roadmap and entered a non‑binding MOU to merge with EG BioMed. Today’s binding LoI to acquire SSMC continues this pattern of ecosystem‑building transactions in diagnostics and therapeutics.

Market Pulse Summary

The stock moved -9.9% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite the strategic ...

Analysis

The stock moved -9.9% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite the strategic logic of adding late‑stage immunocell assets would fit prior divergence episodes, such as the -18.42% move after a positive expo update and the -8.04% response to the EG BioMed MOU. Investors have at times discounted long‑dated integration stories and regulatory or execution risk. Overhang from registered shares and deal-contingent milestones around due diligence and restructuring could further weigh on sentiment if confidence weakens.

Key Terms

dendritic cell immunotherapy, autologous dendritic cells/tumor antigens (adcta), phase iii, glioblastoma, +1 more

5 terms

dendritic cell immunotherapy medical

"a Taiwan-based dendritic cell immunotherapy platform"

Dendritic cell immunotherapy is a medical treatment that collects a person’s dendritic cells—immune cells that act like trainers—and programs them in the lab to show the rest of the immune system how to recognize and attack disease such as cancer. For investors, it matters because successful therapies can offer durable, targeted clinical benefits but also carry high development and manufacturing costs, complex regulatory paths, and scaling challenges that affect commercial potential and valuation.

autologous dendritic cells/tumor antigens (adcta) medical

"leveraging its proprietary Autologous Dendritic Cells/Tumor Antigens (ADCTA) technology"

Autologous dendritic cells/tumor antigens (AdCTA) are a personalized immunotherapy made by collecting a patient’s own immune ‘teacher’ cells (dendritic cells), loading them with markers taken from that patient’s tumor, and returning them to prime the immune system to recognize and attack the cancer. Investors care because this approach can offer highly specific treatment benefits but also brings higher manufacturing complexity, longer timelines, and regulatory and scalability risks compared with off‑the‑shelf drugs.

phase iii medical

"advancing its Phase III clinical application of autologous dendritic cell (DC) immunocell therapy"

A Phase III trial is the late-stage clinical study that tests whether a medical treatment works and is safe in a large group of patients, often comparing it to standard care. Think of it as a final dress rehearsal or full-scale road test before regulators decide on approval; positive or negative results strongly influence a drug maker’s chance to sell the treatment, future revenue, and investment risk.

glioblastoma medical

"immunocell therapy in glioblastoma and has had extensive collaborations"

Glioblastoma is a fast-growing and aggressive type of brain tumor that can affect a person's thinking, movement, or senses. Its seriousness and difficulty to treat can lead to significant health impacts, making it a concern for medical research and drug development. For investors, advances or setbacks in glioblastoma treatments can influence biotech companies and healthcare markets focused on cancer therapies.

lock-up periods financial

"shares issued in connection with the transactions ... will be subject to lock-up periods"

A lock-up period is a set time after a company’s stock offering during which insiders, early investors, and employees are contractually prevented from selling their shares. It matters to investors because it temporarily limits how many shares can enter the market—reducing the risk of an immediate flood of sales—and when the period ends a sudden increase in supply can put downward pressure on the stock price, creating a predictable risk window.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

TAIWAN, Jan. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- YD Bio Limited (“YD Bio Ltd” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: YDES), a biotechnology company advancing DNA methylation-based cancer detection technology and ophthalmologic innovations, today announced it has entered into a binding Letter of Intent (the “LoI”) to acquire all shares, assets, and business of Safe Save Medical Cell Sciences & Technology Co., Ltd. ("SSMC"), a Taiwan-based dendritic cell immunotherapy platform. The LoI, executed on January 20, 2026, signifies a definitive step towards integrating SSMC's advanced immunocell therapy capabilities into YD Bio Ltd's strategic portfolio, further solidifying the Company’s strategic transformation from a portfolio of assets to an end-to-end biotechnology ecosystem.

SSMC specializes in the comprehensive research and development of innovative therapeutic drugs, leveraging its proprietary Autologous Dendritic Cells/Tumor Antigens (ADCTA) technology. This leading platform is expected to be instrumental in developing highly precise and personalized autologous immune targeted therapies, addressing critical unmet medical needs and improving patient outcomes.

SSMC is advancing its Phase III clinical application of autologous dendritic cell (DC) immunocell therapy in glioblastoma and has had extensive collaborations with nine medical centers and hospitals across Taiwan, applying its therapy primarily to patients with Stage IV solid tumors and those with Stage I-III solid tumors unresponsive to standard treatments, covering a broad spectrum of cancers including ovarian, breast, lung, colorectal, pancreatic, and glioblastoma.

"Following the Company’s announced merger with EG BioMed this month to integrate DNA-methylation-driven AI Platforms for cancer diagnostics, this LoI marks a transformative moment for YD Bio Ltd and a significant leap forward in our mission to bring advanced, life-changing cell therapies and regenerative medicine to cancer patients worldwide," Dr. Ethan Shen, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of YD Bio Ltd. " SSMC, with its late-stage clinical assets and deep expertise in ADCTA technology, perfectly aligns with our strategic vision to expand beyond diagnostics into innovative therapeutic solutions. This acquisition is expected to significantly enhance our R&D capabilities, accelerate our entry into new therapeutic areas, and expand our market reach in the rapidly evolving field of cell and gene therapies, thereby filling a critical gap in our product portfolio with advanced cancer treatment preparations. We are excited to welcome SSMC's talented team and groundbreaking technologies into the YD Bio family."

Under the terms of the LoI, YD Bio Ltd intends to acquire 100% of the equity interests of Safe Save Cell (KY) Holdings Limited (the "KY Company"), an offshore holding company to be established through a SSMC’s corporate restructuring that will result in the KY Company holding 100% of SSMC's shares, for a total consideration of NT$839,832,000 (approximately US$26.87 million).

The consideration for the acquisition is expected to involve a combination of newly issued YD Bio Ltd shares and cash. Specifically, shareholders holding more than 10% of SSMC's shares, including its founder Mr. Yang Wen-Guang and his affiliates ("Specific Shareholders"), will receive new YD Bio Ltd shares through a share swap. Other shareholders ("General Shareholders") will have the option to receive cash or elect to receive new YD Bio Ltd shares. All new YD Bio Ltd shares issued in connection with the transactions contemplated by the LoI will be subject to lock-up periods: six (6) months for General Shareholders and one (1) year for Specific Shareholders, in compliance with U.S. securities regulations.

The completion of the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including the successful completion of YD Bio Ltd’s due diligence, SSMC's corporate restructuring, and the absence of any material adverse changes in SSMC's business, assets, or financial condition. The parties aim to complete the due diligence process by March 20, 2026, with the closing of the transaction anticipated within thirty (30) days thereafter, pending satisfaction of all conditions precedent.

About Safe Save Medical Cell Sciences & Technology Co., Ltd.

Established in 2011 from Hsinchu Biomedical Science Park, Safe Save Medical Cell Sciences & Technology Co., Ltd. is an advanced biotechnology firm dedicated to advancing the frontier of immunocell therapy. The company specializes in the comprehensive research and development of innovative therapeutic drugs, leveraging its proprietary technology for Autologous Dendritic Cells/Tumor Antigens (ADCTA) in immunotherapy preparations. This approach enables the development of highly precise and personalized autologous immune targeted therapies, positioning SSMC as a leading enterprise and a critical indicator within the domestic immunocell therapy landscape. Guided by a steadfast commitment to its core business philosophy of "R&D Innovation, Excellent Quality, and Professional Service," SSMC aspires to be a global frontrunner and the definitive leader in immune dendritic cell therapy, driving forward the next generation of personalized cancer treatment and regenerative medicine solutions.

For more information, please visit: https://www.safesavecell.com.tw/.

About YD Bio Limited

YD Bio Limited is a biotechnology company focused on advancing clinical trials, new drug development, cancer prevention diagnostics, stem cell and exosome therapies with the potential to transform the treatment of diseases with high unmet medical need. The Company is committed to improving patient outcomes through scientific innovation and precision medicine. In addition to its R&D efforts, YD Bio Limited is a recognized supplier of clinical trial drugs and has expanded into the development and distribution of post-market auxiliary products. For more information, please visit the Company’s website: ir.ydesgroup.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, among others, statements about the proposed acquisition of SSMC, the anticipated benefits of the acquisition, the expected timing of the completion of the transaction, and the future financial and operating performance of YD Bio Limited. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections and are not guarantees of future performance. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “approximates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or other similar expressions. Actual results may differ materially due to a variety of factors, including regulatory decisions and feedback; the ability to complete the acquisition on the terms or within the timeframe currently contemplated, the ability to successfully integrate SSMC's operations and technology, the ability to achieve the anticipated synergies and benefits of the acquisition, and other risks and uncertainties described in YD Bio Ltd’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law. The Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
YD Bio Limited
Investor Relations
Email: investor@ydesgroup.com

WFS Investor Relations Inc.
Email: services@wealthfsllc.com
Phone: +1 628 283 9214

FAQ

What did YD Bio (YDES) announce about acquiring SSMC on January 20, 2026?

YD Bio announced a binding Letter of Intent to acquire SSMC for NT$839,832,000 (≈US$26.87M). According to the company, the deal would combine cash and newly issued YD Bio shares and adds an ADCTA immunocell therapy platform.

When does YD Bio (YDES) expect to complete due diligence and close the SSMC acquisition?

The parties aim to finish due diligence by March 20, 2026, with closing within 30 days thereafter. According to the company, completion depends on customary conditions and SSMC's corporate restructuring.

What clinical assets does SSMC bring to YD Bio (YDES)?

SSMC contributes an autologous dendritic cell (ADCTA) platform and a Phase III glioblastoma program. According to the company, SSMC has applied the therapy for Stage IV and refractory Stage I–III solid tumors across multiple cancer types.

How will the YD Bio (YDES) acquisition structure affect existing shareholders?

Part of the consideration will be paid in newly issued YD Bio shares, which may dilute current holders. According to the company, new shares will be subject to 6-month lock-ups for general shareholders and 1-year for specific shareholders.