YouBao Health Technologies Files IPO Prospectus: Pioneering Precision Nutrition Solutions Tailored for the Chinese Population
Precision medicine has become a buzzword in recent years. As the cost of gene sequencing decreases, diagnosis and treatment based on individual genetic backgrounds are driving the development of precision nutrition interventions.
In recent years, with the improvement of living standards, the population has faced concurrent nutritional deficiencies and excesses, such as obesity and micronutrient deficiencies. Nutrition-related chronic diseases have shown an explosive growth trend. On the other hand, the incidence of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, has been rising year by year. Preventing chronic diseases and protecting health are the goals of precision nutrition.
Youbao Health is dedicated to the development of nutritional genetic testing loci tailored to the characteristics of the Chinese population and the optimization of assessment models. Leveraging nutritional genetic testing, internet platforms, and modern logistics, and integrating big data analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we provide personalized, “custom-tailored” nutritional intervention plans for pregnant women, children, individuals with chronic diseases, and those at risk of chronic diseases. Combined with personalized health management strategies, our approach aims to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases and improve overall health outcomes.
“Most current nutritional genetic testing loci are based on data from European and American populations, whereas Youbao Health aims to establish a database that better aligns with the nutritional genetic characteristics of the Chinese population,” said Tian Yingjie, Chief Nutritionist at Youbao Health, in an interview with VCBeat.
Through its collaboration with the Chinese Nutrition Society, U-Bao Health has secured exclusive data on the correlations between nutritional genomics and blood nutrient levels in specific Chinese populations. Leveraging this foundation, the company will develop nutritional genetic testing products, interpret genetic test reports, establish personal nutritional profiles, and provide users with customized personalized nutritional intervention services and dietary supplements tailored to individual characteristics.
Currently, Youbao Health has launched 45 genetic testing panels for nutrient absorption and metabolism, covering more than 100 genetic loci. Upon receiving their nutritional genetic test results, users can access personalized nutritional support and interventions through internet platforms such as WeChat Official Accounts and mini-programs. This enables them to selectively choose dietary supplements, enhance immune function, prevent malnutrition, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Furthermore, users can leverage this to assess their nutritional status, acquire nutritional knowledge, and access professional nutritional services from a dedicated team. While each customer needs to undergo nutritional genetic testing only once in their lifetime, personalized nutritional intervention services and product offerings can be provided on a lifelong basis.
Youbao Health Precision Nutrition Service Process
VCBeat has learned that U-Bao Health’s genetic testing business adopts outsourced next-generation sequencing (NGS) services, thereby reducing the cost burden associated with instruments, technical personnel labor, and fixed assets. In terms of dietary supplement products, the company collaborates with the internationally renowned brand Holland & Barrett, which supplies the nutritional products. This arrangement eliminates the need for in-house production, allowing the company to focus on providing personalized supplement regimens based on genetic test results and individual nutritional profiles, as well as follow-up nutrient testing and nutritional level maintenance services.
Furthermore, Youbao Health’s nutritional genetic testing services have been introduced in select Holland & Barrett stores in China, providing guidance for the precise supplementation of nutritional products. In the future, the two parties may jointly launch personalized intervention “Nutritional Health Kits” at an appropriate time.
At its inception, the Youbao Health team conducted in-depth research on the nutritional health market. In 2017, the scale of China's dietary supplement industry reached RMB 160 billion, yet per capita consumption remained significantly lower than that of developed countries such as the United States and Japan (at only 15% of their levels), indicating substantial growth potential. Currently, direct sales account for 50% of dietary supplement distribution channels, a model characterized by poor regulatory compliance and a shortage of qualified professionals.
Youbao Health leverages internet platforms such as its mobile app and WeChat mini-store, complemented by professional nutritional genetic testing and precise nutritional intervention plans. This approach not only reduces costs but also increases repurchase rates. Its target users include both individuals—such as those preparing for pregnancy, pregnant women, children, and patients with chronic diseases—and institutions, including pregnancy and parenting platforms, as well as health checkup centers.
Regarding the team at Youbao Health, Tian Yingjie noted that the company’s core team comprises postdoctoral fellows from the University of Cambridge and Harvard University, expert professors in molecular biology, pharmacy, nutrition, and genetic testing from institutions such as Zhejiang University and Wenzhou Medical University, as well as a team of nationally registered dietitians.
Some team members have participated in major initiatives such as the Human Genome Project and the Rice Genome Project, published more than 10 SCI-indexed papers as first or corresponding authors, and filed over 10 patent applications. In the field of nutritional intervention, team members possess more than a decade of R&D and market experience.
In terms of market development, Youbao Health has basically completed the R&D of nutritional genetic testing technology, report analysis, and formulation of follow-up nutritional intervention strategies, implemented nutritional products, and has undertaken the technical service commission for type 2 diabetes susceptibility gene testing from the China National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration.
Currently, Youbao Health is offering 12%-15% equity to seek a new round of financing of approximately RMB 10 million to 12 million, and plans to enable venture capital exit through share buybacks within the next 3-5 years.