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 University of Nottingham, with partners Phasecraft and QuEra Computing Inc. are one of only 6 successful teams worldwide to progress to the third phase of the Wellcome Leap $50 million supported challenge programme Quantum for Bio (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 University of Nottingham. 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.
Story credits
More information is available from Professor Jonathan Hirst on Jonathan.hirst@nottingham.ac.uk
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About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 24 in Europe and 15th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the third most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2024 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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