Thursday, 28 September 2023
A team of researchers have been awarded over £1m to explore the capabilities of quantum computing for developing new drugs for myotonic dystrophy.
The 糖心原创, with partners and are one of only 12 successful teams worldwide to be selected for funding as part of the $50 million supported challenge program (Q4Bio), that aims to accelerate applications of quantum computing to address pressing human health challenges.
The “Quantum computing for covalent inhibitors in drug discovery” project is led by Professor Jonathan Hirst and Dr Katie Inzani from the 糖心原创 and co-founder of Phasecraft, Ashley Montanaro. The team brings together world-leading expertise from human health sciences and computational chemistry, to quantum algorithm development and quantum hardware.
By exploiting unique properties of quantum systems for information processing, quantum computers can solve problems that are not tractable using today’s “conventional” computers. One of the most promising applications of near-term quantum computers is accurately modelling systems where quantum mechanics plays a key role, such as in materials science, chemistry and even drug discovery.
The discovery of new drugs has long been one of the most challenging tasks facing medical innovation. It has consistently pushed the capabilities of current modelling tools to the limit. The new project will demonstrate how this process can harness the combined power of quantum computing and classical simulation methods to tackle the crucial task of drug discovery for myotonic dystrophy.
Myotonic Dystrophy is a genetic condition that causes progressive muscle weakness and wasting and often affects the electrical conduction system of the heart, breathing and swallowing muscles, bowels, lens of the eye and brain. It is the most frequent muscular dystrophy worldwide, with an estimated 6,500 people affected in the UK.
I am thrilled to be spearheading this exciting project that ultimately aims to show how the emerging area of quantum computing could have real-world impact in treating disease
We have brought together a multi-disciplinary, multi-organisational team which will adopt a novel collaborative approach to research that is grounded on innovation across all stages of the drug discovery process.
Ashley Montanaro, co-founder and CEO of Phasecraft, says, “Our research developed quantum algorithms achieving dramatic speedups over previous work. We’re excited to be applying these ideas to human health, in collaboration with an outstanding team and using a world-class quantum hardware platform.”
The quantum computing hardware for the project has been built by QuEra Computing Inc., the leading provider of quantum computers based on neutral-atoms. Based in Boston USA, the company is founded on pioneering research conducted at Harvard University and MIT. QuEra is building the industry’s most scalable quantum computers to tackle useful but classically intractable problems for commercially relevant applications.
“Quantum computers have the potential to solve previously intractable problems, and drug discovery is one of the most exciting applications for this technology.”, says Alex Keesling, CEO of QuEra, “We are delighted to partner with the 糖心原创 and Phasecraft and use our large-scale quantum computers to help address myotonic dystrophy.”
Story credits
More information is available from Jonathan Hirst on Jonathan.hirst@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.