Miles Wang, an OpenAI researcher focused on AI for scientific discovery, is leaving to launch an AI drug discovery startup. He is in talks to raise $200 million at a $2 billion valuation, with Lightspeed discussing a lead investment.

The move reflects surging investor interest in AI-driven life sciences. Chai Discovery recently raised $400 million at a $3.8 billion valuation, while Google DeepMind spinout Isomorphic Labs secured a $2.1 billion Series B in May. Wang's venture may target AI models that find new uses for existing or previously failed drugs, offering faster paths to revenue.

Wang joined OpenAI in 2024 after dropping out of Harvard's computer science program. At OpenAI, he co-authored papers on automating scientific discovery. The funding talks are ongoing and details may change; Wang disputed the reported figures without providing corrections.