Reid Hoffman, the founder of LinkedIn, has co-founded a new AI-powered drug discovery startup called Manas AI, alongside Siddhartha Mukherjee, a renowned cancer researcher and author of the book "The Emperor of All Maladies". The company has secured $24.6 million in seed funding from Hoffman, General Catalyst, and Greylock, with a focus on developing novel medicines for breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma.

While Manas AI's funding amount may seem modest compared to other startups in the AI-powered drug discovery space, the company's approach and partnerships are noteworthy. For instance, Xaira, another startup in this space, launched with a massive $1 billion in initial funding last year, while Treeline Biosciences raised $422 million in funding, as reported by Endpts.

Manas AI's strategy involves designing molecules using AI models, which will then be tested in a wet lab. According to Hoffman, the company will leverage Microsoft's cloud computing platform, Microsoft Azure, and the tech giant's "deep domain knowledge in AI" to develop novel medicines. This partnership is not surprising, given Hoffman's close ties to Microsoft, which acquired LinkedIn in a blockbuster deal in 2016.

The use of AI in drug discovery is gaining traction, with many startups and established pharmaceutical companies exploring the potential of machine learning and artificial intelligence to accelerate the discovery of new medicines. Manas AI's approach, which combines AI-powered molecule design with wet lab testing, could potentially lead to more efficient and effective drug development.

The company's focus on breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma is also significant, as these diseases are among the most prevalent and deadly forms of cancer. The development of novel medicines for these diseases could have a major impact on public health and the lives of millions of people around the world.

As the AI-powered drug discovery space continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Manas AI's approach compares to that of other startups and companies in this space. With its strong founding team and partnerships, Manas AI is well-positioned to make a significant contribution to the development of novel medicines and the advancement of healthcare.

In conclusion, the launch of Manas AI marks an exciting development in the AI-powered drug discovery space, with the potential to accelerate the development of novel medicines and improve public health. As the company moves forward, it will be important to track its progress and assess the impact of its approach on the pharmaceutical industry and beyond.