AI Drug Discovery Looks for Boost from Quantum

Quantum computing company D-Wave has launched a proof-of-concept with the pharmaceutical division of Japan Tobacco to apply quantum computing to the AI drug discovery process.

The joint team plans to use D-Wave’s annealing quantum computing technology to improve the speed and quality of training for Japan Tobacco’s AI analysis system.

The researchers aim to expand on how AI is used in drug discovery and ultimately develop a new process for discovering novel small compounds that could be used in drugs to treat medical conditions.

Masaru Tateno, chief scientific officer of Japan Tobacco’s pharmaceutical research center, said the company has been researching how quantum computing technologies could be used as a speed and quality accelerator for AI-driven drug discovery systems used in the drug design process.

“In this context, we examine our novel theory and systems in our joint proof-of-concept project and thus we have high expectations for the effectiveness of D-Wave's annealing quantum computing solutions,” Tateno said.

“By utilizing D-Wave's quantum technology, we aim to pioneer a new standard that significantly accelerates the speed and quality of drug discovery and expands the exploration space for pharmaceutical small compounds.”

If the proof-of-concept project delivers successful results, Japan Tobacco’s pharmaceutical division plans to develop the quantum-ai-driven drug discovery system further and investigate applying quantum computing technology to production operations.

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“Pharmaceutical companies need to maintain competitiveness while addressing the challenges of difficulty, uncertainty and duration in new drug development, creating an environment that is accelerating the speed and quality for AI drug discovery,” said D-Wave CEO Alan Baratz.

“D-Wave is committed to supporting Japan Tobacco’s pharmaceutical division in maximizing the capabilities of AI through quantum computing technology, with the goal of expanding the exploration space for pharmaceutical small compounds.”