OpenAI Researcher Leaves to Build $2B Drug Discovery Startup

Miles Wang, an OpenAI researcher focused on AI-driven scientific discovery, is leaving to launch a drug discovery startup. Several other OpenAI researchers are expected to join, with Wang in talks to raise $200 million at a $2 billion valuation, potentially led by Lightspeed. The startup may focus on finding new uses for existing or previously failed drugs, a faster path to revenue than developing new treatments. The move reflects surging investor interest in AI-powered life sciences, with rivals Chai Discovery and Isomorphic Labs recently raising $400 million and $2.1 billion respectively.