An OpenAI researcher is leaving to launch a startup using AI to speed up drug discovery, with early talks valuing it at $2 billion. Miles Wang, known for applying artificial intelligence to scientific breakthroughs, is in discussions to raise around $200 million, with Lightspeed potentially leading the round.
How AI is transforming drug discovery
Wang’s new company would join a growing field where AI models predict molecular interactions to identify new medicines. For everyday patients, this could mean faster access to life-saving treatments by repurposing existing drugs—skipping years of safety trials. Several OpenAI researchers are expected to follow Wang to the startup.
Competition and investor interest
The move reflects surging investor confidence in AI-driven biotech. Chai Discovery, another OpenAI-linked startup, just raised $400 million at a $3.8 billion valuation. Google DeepMind’s Isomorphic Labs secured $2.1 billion in May for similar work.
Sources suggest Wang’s startup may focus on finding new uses for approved drugs or reviving failed trial candidates—a strategy that can accelerate revenue since safety testing is already complete.
From OpenAI to biotech
Wang joined OpenAI in 2024 after leaving Harvard, where he studied computer science. At OpenAI, he co-authored research on using AI to automate scientific discovery. The funding talks are ongoing, and details could change. Wang disputed the reported figures but did not provide alternatives. Lightspeed has not commented.
