Bengbu Medical University (BMU) in east China's Anhui Province is pioneering the use of quantum computing to accelerate small molecule drug development. In collaboration with Origin Quantum Computing Technology Co., Ltd. from Hefei, BMU aims to enhance the efficiency and precision of drug design through advanced molecular docking applications, reported by Science and Technology Daily.
Researcher Zhang Yixuan from BMU's School of Pharmacy highlighted that small molecule drugs are capable of easily penetrating cell membranes to interact with target proteins, which is crucial for their therapeutic effects. Traditionally, molecular docking relies on high-performance computer clusters for extensive and time-consuming calculations, often lacking in precision.
Quantum computing technology offers a breakthrough by overcoming the computational limitations of traditional methods. This technology significantly improves the speed and accuracy of drug screening, paving the way for more efficient and precise drug development.
Origin Quantum has developed a series of applications for drug design utilizing their Origin Wukong, the third-generation superconducting quantum computer. This innovation allows for effective prediction of drug molecule properties and their interactions.
Dou Menghan, vice director of the Quantum Computing Engineering Research Center of Anhui Province, stated, \"This will lay a solid foundation for the design of small molecule drugs, accelerate the development of innovative drugs, and promote progress in the life sciences sector.\"
Reference(s):
China enhances small molecule drug development using quantum computing
cgtn.com
