Singapore’s Nanyang Biologics races to Nasdaq with AI edge

Nanyang Biologics, an AI drug discovery startup based in Singapore, is set to go public soon in a deal valuing it at US$1.5 billion.

This follows the launch of a product the company says can dramatically shorten drug discovery timelines. Identifying viable molecules, for example, will go from six to 10 years to just six minutes.

Roland Ong, founder and chairman of Nanyang Biologics. / Photo credit: The Business Times: TAY CHU YI, BT

Nanyang Biologics began as a biopharma company aimed at developing cancer and cardiovascular therapies. It spent seven years building an AI platform to accelerate drug discovery work.

Now, it has commercialized the platform as NYB.AI – a tool that helps pharmaceutical and health supplement manufacturers cut costs and timelines.

The company is expected to go public via a reverse merger with Nasdaq-listed RF Acquisition Corp II, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), by the second quarter of 2026.

Roland Ong, founder and chairman of Nanyang Biologics, says listing on the Nasdaq will increase the firm’s exposure to more funding sources and enhance its visibility within global scientific and pharmaceutical communities.

“Biotech, AI, and drug discovery is a long-term R&D process, and continuous funding is required,” he adds.

American dream

Nanyang Biologics’ plan to list in the US and gain more visibility there appears to have come at an opportune time.

US President Donald Trump may have delayed his plan to impose 100% tariffs on pharmaceutical imports, but the policy has already prompted drugmakers to shift manufacturing and licensing activities to the country.

This trend could work in Nanyang Biologics’ favor as it aims to license its discoveries to US partners rather than manufacture them itself.

Moreover, the company’s AI-driven discovery engine could make it an attractive partner as US firms look for faster, more affordable ways to replenish their pipelines domestically.

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Ong says Nanyang Biologics could reach breakeven by end-2026 or 2027 since it plans to sell discovered molecules instead of distributing them. This approach cuts out the long, expensive process of clinical trials and distribution.

First client

ChatGPT, but for pharma