Pauling.AI, a startup based in the Seattle area, is utilizing artificial intelligence to streamline drug discovery processes. Founded by Javier Tordable in 2024, the company aims to reduce the time needed for early-stage drug development from months to mere weeks. Tordable, who previously held a significant role at Google, emphasizes the potential of their technology to significantly increase the annual approval rate of new medications.
The company operates under a "scientist-as-a-service" model, allowing researchers to delegate initial drug discovery tasks to AI. This includes performing computational chemistry and engineering drug candidates, which results in a refined selection of compounds for laboratory testing. Pauling.AI plans to eventually expand its capabilities to include more sophisticated drug candidates, such as antibodies.
Currently, Pauling.AI employs six remote staff members and has received undisclosed pre-seed funding from Flex Capital and various angel investors. The startup serves a small clientele, including notable academic institutions, and is part of a growing network of AI-focused biotech companies in the Pacific Northwest.