IO Biotech (NASDAQ: IOBT) begins review of strategic alternatives

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

IO Biotech, Inc. filed a current report stating that on January 21, 2026 it issued a press release announcing that it plans to explore strategic alternatives. This means the company is formally beginning a review of potential options for its future direction, which can range from continuing its current plan to considering significant corporate changes, depending on what the review determines. The press release describing this process is attached as an exhibit to the report.

Insights

Biotech equity analyst

IO Biotech has begun a formal review of strategic options.

IO Biotech, Inc. disclosed that it issued a press release on January 21, 2026 announcing plans to explore strategic alternatives. In practice, this type of process often means the board and management will evaluate different paths for the company, but the specific options are not detailed here.

The reference to “strategic alternatives” is broad and the report does not specify any particular transaction or outcome. The only concrete information provided is that the press release describing this decision is furnished as Exhibit 99.1, so the scope and focus of the review would be found there.

From an investor perspective, the start of a strategic review is usually a notable governance and corporate strategy event, but the actual impact will depend on any future decisions or transactions that may be described in later disclosures.

Ole Maaløes Vej 3 false 0001865494 0001865494 2026-01-21 2026-01-21

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): January 21, 2026

IO BIOTECH, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Delaware		001-41008		87-0909276
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)		(Commission File Number)		(IRS Employer Identification No.)

Ole Maaløes Vej 3

DK-2200 Copenhagen N

Denmark

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: +45 7070 2980

N/A

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class		Trading Symbol(s)		Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share		IOBT		The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☒

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Item 8.01 Other Events.

On January 21, 2026, IO Biotech, Inc. issued a press release announcing that it plans to explore strategic alternatives. A copy of the press release is attached to this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits

Exhibit Number		Exhibit Description
99.1		Press Release, dated January 21, 2026.
104		Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

				IO BIOTECH, INC.
Date: January 21, 2026				By:		/s/ Mai-Britt Zocca, Ph.D.
				Name:		Mai-Britt Zocca, Ph.D.
				Title:		Chief Executive Officer

FAQ

What did IO Biotech, Inc. (IOBT) disclose in this 8-K filing?

IO Biotech, Inc. disclosed that it issued a press release on January 21, 2026 announcing that it plans to explore strategic alternatives, and it attached that press release as an exhibit.

What does it mean that IO Biotech plans to explore strategic alternatives?

The filing states that IO Biotech plans to explore strategic alternatives, which indicates a formal review of possible paths for the company’s future direction, without specifying which options will be considered.

When did IO Biotech announce its plan to explore strategic alternatives?

IO Biotech announced its plan to explore strategic alternatives in a press release dated January 21, 2026, which is referenced and attached to this report.

Where can investors find more details about IO Biotech’s strategic review?

More details are in the press release attached as Exhibit 99.1 to the report, which is incorporated by reference.

Who signed the IO Biotech 8-K related to strategic alternatives?

The report was signed on behalf of IO Biotech, Inc. by Mai-Britt Zocca, Ph.D., the company’s Chief Executive Officer.

Does the 8-K describe any specific transaction for IO Biotech, Inc. (IOBT)?

No specific transaction is described in the text provided; it only notes that IO Biotech plans to explore strategic alternatives and refers to the attached press release for further information.