OpenAI researcher Miles Wang is leaving the company to launch a startup developing AI models for drug discovery, with several OpenAI researchers expected to join. Sources say Wang is discussing a roughly $200 million raise at a $2 billion valuation, with Lightspeed in talks to lead, though Wang disputes the reported figures and company description and discussions remain unsettled. Sources say the startup may seek new uses for existing drugs, including candidates that failed trials.
Chai Discovery grows from an OpenAI-backed startup into a prominent AI drug discovery company, with deals involving Eli Lilly and Pfizer. Its trajectory runs from its beginnings in OpenAI’s offices to partnerships with the pharmaceutical companies.
Chai Discovery publishes research on designing drug-like antibodies against challenging targets with atomic precision. The research focuses on antibody design for targets described as challenging.
