Friday, 04 April 2025
Building on initial awards totalling over £1.6m, a team of researchers are receiving further investment 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 6 successful teams worldwide to progress to the third phase of the $50 million supported challenge programme (Q4Bio). The programme 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. 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. This 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 form of muscular dystrophy in adults worldwide, with an estimated 6,500 people affected in the UK.
We are delighted with our progress towards the ambitious goal of developing and utilising this fast-developing technology to help advance the treatment of a dreadful disease.
Building on our advances in the first two phases, it will be particularly exciting to be running on state-of-the-art quantum hardware in the months ahead.
“Quantum computing is an exciting research frontier and it is great to see colleagues from the School of Chemistry spearheading work in this area,” added Professor Peter Licence, Head of the School of Chemistry.
Phasecraft, the Bristol based quantum algorithms company, is providing a world-leading insight into the mathematical foundation of quantum computing, bringing quantum’s promise into real-world applications.
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.
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More information is available from Professor Jonathan Hirst on Jonathan.hirst@nottingham.ac.uk
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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.
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