Quantum Computing in Drug Discovery
Quantum Computing in Drug Discovery
1468
Authorized licensed use limited to: VIT University- Chennai Campus. Downloaded on February 16,2025 at 13:55:13 UTC from IEEE Xplore. Restrictions apply.
drug interactions more accurately than classical Machine systems by identifying the optimal size, shape, and surface
Learning algorithms [14]. chemistry of drug delivery vehicles such as liposomes or
nanoparticles [16]. The Quantum Approximate
Another potential application of quantum ML in drug Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) is one such algorithm that
discovery is in the identification of potential drug targets. has been applied to optimize drug delivery systems [17].
Drug targets are specific molecules or cellular structures
that drugs interact with to produce their therapeutic effects. We can speed up the early stages of the drug
Identifying new drug targets is crucial in drug discovery to development process from 15 months to seven weeks by
develop new medications to treat previously untreatable using FEP or quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics
diseases. Quantum ML algorithms can analyze large (QM/MM) in conjunction with our quantum inspired
amounts of data to identify potential drug targets and Digital Annealer technology. By swiftly determining
accelerate the drug discovery process. For example, the whether candidate compounds have all the qualities a new
Quantum Autoencoder (QAE) is a quantum ML algorithm medicine must have, such as low toxicity, synthesizability,
that can learn the underlying structure of molecular data and and biological activity, our novel approach is now treating
identify potential drug targets [15]. COVID-19 and dengue fever. With years of study time and
prices slashed, billions of molecules are being searched
A lot of information useful for drug discovery is quickly. Together with Toray Industries, Inc., a worldwide
available from the expanding number of public and private company with its headquarters in Japan, we are creating a
data sets that are centered on small compounds evaluated new model for drug discovery optimization [22].
against biological targets or entire organisms. ML
algorithms like Deep Neural Networks (DNN) and Support Another potential application of quantum-inspired
Vector Machines (SVM), which are computationally optimization in drug discovery is in the optimization of
expensive to run on very big data sets with thousands of clinical trials. Clinical trials are a crucial part of the drug
chemical descriptors, are available to match this. Although development process, but they can be time-consuming and
there are substantial restrictions, quantum computer (QC) expensive. Optimizing clinical trial design can reduce costs
algorithms have been presented to speed up quantum ML and accelerate the drug development process. Quantum-
compared to classical computer (CC) techniques. The inspired optimization algorithms can be used to optimize
necessity to compress a lot of molecular descriptors for use clinical trial design by identifying the optimal sample size,
on a QC is one of the difficulties in cheminformatics, which study duration, and treatment regimens [18]. The Quantum
is commonly employed in drug development [21]. Annealing algorithm has been applied to optimize clinical
trial design, demonstrating the potential of quantum-
However, there are still many challenges to overcome in inspired optimization in drug discovery beyond molecular
quantum ML, such as the limited availability of quantum simulations and drug optimization.
hardware and the need for efficient quantum algorithms for
training and optimization. V. QUANTUM-ASSISTED EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
IV. QUANTUM-INSPIRED OPTIMIZATION FOR DRUG The quantum-assisted experimental design could
DISCOVERY potentially help to reduce the number of experiments
needed in drug discovery by identifying the most promising
Quantum-inspired optimization algorithms like the compounds to test. One such algorithm is the Quantum
Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) Bayesian Networks (QBN) algorithm, which uses Bayesian
and the Quantum Annealing algorithm could potentially networks to represent and reason about uncertain data [10].
offer faster and more efficient optimization for drug QBN has been used in drug discovery to design experiments
discovery. QAOA is a hybrid algorithm that combines for identifying the best conditions for synthesizing specific
classical and quantum computing to solve optimization compounds. By using QBN, researchers were able to reduce
problems [6][7]. It has been applied to drug discovery tasks the number of experiments needed by up to 80%. Another
such as molecular conformational analysis and the algorithm called the Quantum Clustering algorithm, can be
prediction of molecular properties. used to analyze, and classify large amounts of experimental
The Quantum Annealing algorithm is a quantum data [11]. This algorithm has been applied to drug discovery
computing algorithm that is designed to solve optimization tasks such as predicting the toxicity of chemical
problems by finding the global minimum energy state of a compounds.
given Hamiltonian [8]. This algorithm has been applied to Quantum-assisted experimental design can also be used
drug discovery tasks such as molecular docking and drug to optimize drug discovery beyond the applications
design. By applying these quantum-inspired optimization discussed earlier in the paper. One potential application is
algorithms to drug discovery, researchers could potentially in the design of experiments to evaluate the toxicity of new
find new drug candidates more quickly and accurately [9]. drug candidates. Toxicity is a critical factor in drug
Quantum-inspired optimization algorithms can also be development, and predicting toxicity is important in
used to optimize the drug discovery process beyond the identifying safe and effective drugs. Quantum-assisted
examples discussed in the previous paragraphs. One experimental design can be used to optimize the design of
potential application is in the optimization of drug delivery toxicity experiments by identifying the most informative
systems. Drug delivery systems refer to the mechanisms experiments to conduct and reducing the number of
used to deliver drugs to their intended targets in the body. experiments needed [19]. The QBN algorithm has been
Optimizing these delivery systems is important in drug applied to optimize toxicity experiments, demonstrating the
discovery to ensure that the drug reaches its intended target potential of quantum-assisted experimental design in drug
and produces the desired therapeutic effect. Quantum- discovery.
inspired optimization algorithms can optimize drug delivery
1469
Authorized licensed use limited to: VIT University- Chennai Campus. Downloaded on February 16,2025 at 13:55:13 UTC from IEEE Xplore. Restrictions apply.
Our revolutionary approach is now treating COVID-19 compliance requirements. Healthcare organizations are
and dengue fever by rapidly evaluating if candidate subject to stringent data privacy and security regulations,
compounds have all the characteristics a new treatment such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
must have, such as low toxicity, synthesizability, and Act (HIPAA) and the General Data Protection Regulation
biological activity. Millions of molecules are being quickly (GDPR). These regulations set out specific requirements for
searched due to years of study time and reduced costs. the handling and transmission of sensitive healthcare data,
and compliance with these requirements can be challenging
Another potential application of quantum-assisted in the context of quantum encryption [15].
experimental design in drug discovery is in the optimization
of drug manufacturing processes. Manufacturing drugs is a This entails figuring out stable three-dimensional
complex and expensive process that involves many structures and computing numerous quantum mechanical
variables, including temperature, pressure, and pH. traits that act as fresh fingerprints of such molecules.
Optimizing these variables is important in drug discovery to Research teams may concentrate their attention on data
ensure that drugs are manufactured consistently and at a processing rather than data collection because to the
high quality. automated features. Because minor changes in chemical
structure can significantly affect efficacy and safety,
By applying these quantum-assisted experimental
quantum fingerprints are anticipated to be crucial in data-
design techniques to drug discovery, researchers could driven drug discovery. Scientists can optimize medicine
potentially save time and resources, and identify new drug design and lower the possibility of negative reactions by
candidates more quickly and accurately. introducing quantum mechanics into artificial intelligence
VI. QUANTUM ENCRYPTION FOR SECURE DRUG DISCOVERY (AI). This allows them to better predict how a given drug
will operate in the human body.
Quantum encryption techniques could potentially offer
a more secure method for transmitting sensitive drug QSP Life, a collection of helpful products that also
discovery data. QKD is a form of encryption that is based includes the previously launched small molecule lead
on the principles of quantum mechanics [12]. It uses optimization solution, has added Quantum FP as a new
quantum properties such as superposition and entanglement offering [23].
to create a secure key for encryption that cannot be
intercepted without being detected. In contrast to classical VII. RESULTS
encryption methods, which rely on mathematical algorithms The application of quantum computing and quantum-
and keys that can potentially be cracked with enough inspired methods to drug discovery has shown significant
computational power, QKD offers an inherently secure promise in improving the efficiency and accuracy of the
method of encryption that is resistant to eavesdropping drug discovery process. Quantum algorithms for molecular
attacks. The implementation of QKD in drug discovery simulation, such as the VQE algorithm, have demonstrated
could help protect valuable data and intellectual property the ability to accurately predict the properties of complex
from being intercepted and stolen. molecules with a speedup compared to classical methods
[1]. In addition, quantum ML techniques, including the
There are some challenges to implementing QKD,
QSVM have shown potential in identifying new drug
including the need for specialized hardware and the limited
targets and predicting drug-target interactions with higher
range of the technology. However, researchers are
accuracy than classical ML methods [2]. Furthermore,
exploring ways to extend the range of QKD, such as using
quantum-inspired optimization techniques, such as
satellite-based quantum communication networks [13].
quantum annealing, have been applied to drug discovery
Another challenge is the susceptibility of QKD to attacks
problems, leading to the identification of new drug
that exploit weaknesses in the underlying hardware or
candidates [3].
protocols. To mitigate this risk, ongoing research is focused
on developing more secure and robust QKD systems. As According to the data provided, traditional methods
quantum technologies continue to develop and become typically take around 15 months to complete the drug
more accessible, QKD could become a valuable tool for discovery process. In contrast, the utilization of quantum-
securing drug discovery data. assisted methods significantly reduces the time needed to
only seven weeks. This highlights the potential impact of
One of the major challenges associated with the
quantum computing in accelerating drug discovery and
implementation of quantum encryption in drug discovery is
shortening the timeline for developing new medications. By
the lack of standardized protocols and infrastructure for
leveraging the computational power and capabilities of
secure data transmission. Currently, there is no widely
quantum technology, researchers can potentially expedite
accepted standard for quantum encryption, which can result
the identification and development of new drugs, bringing
in interoperability issues and compatibility problems
them to market more quickly and potentially benefiting
between different quantum communication systems.
patients in need of innovative treatments.
Moreover, the integration of quantum encryption with
existing classical communication infrastructure can also Quantum encryption techniques, such as QKD, offer a
pose significant challenges. Researchers are actively more secure method for transmitting sensitive drug
working on developing standardized protocols and discovery data. QKD offers an inherently secure method of
infrastructure for quantum communication that can support encryption that is resistant to eavesdropping attacks and
secure and reliable data transmission in the drug discovery could help protect valuable data and intellectual property
process [14]. from being intercepted and stolen. However, there are some
challenges associated with implementing QKD, including
Another important consideration for the use of quantum
the need for specialized hardware and the limited range of
encryption in drug discovery is the regulatory landscape and
technology. Nevertheless, researchers are exploring ways to
1470
Authorized licensed use limited to: VIT University- Chennai Campus. Downloaded on February 16,2025 at 13:55:13 UTC from IEEE Xplore. Restrictions apply.
extend the range of QKD, such as using satellite-based integrated into the drug discovery process. The
quantum communication networks. development of more powerful quantum computers and
quantum algorithms is essential for improving the accuracy
One approach is the use of quantum algorithms for and efficiency of quantum computing-based methods.
molecular simulation, which allows for more accurate and Standardization of quantum encryption protocols and
efficient predictions of molecular properties. This can lead infrastructure is also necessary to ensure the interoperability
to advancements in understanding the behaviour of and compatibility of different quantum communication
molecules and their interactions. Another method is systems.
quantum ML, where ML algorithms are enhanced by
quantum computing to improve the accuracy and efficiency IX. FUTURE WORK
of drug discovery processes. This includes predicting drug-
target interactions and identifying new drug candidates. Future research in quantum-assisted drug discovery
Quantum-inspired optimization techniques are also should focus on developing more powerful quantum
employed in drug discovery. These methods leverage computers and algorithms that can handle larger and more
quantum computing to optimize experimental design and complex drug discovery datasets. This could be achieved
improve the efficiency of research in this field. through the development of more accurate and efficient
Furthermore, quantum encryption techniques are utilized to quantum algorithms for molecular simulations, which
enhance data security and privacy in drug discovery would help predict molecular properties and interactions
research. Quantum cryptography enables secure more accurately with fewer computational resources.
communication of sensitive information between Additionally, the integration of quantum computing with
collaborators and protects against cyber-attacks. Overall, other emerging technologies, such as AI and ML, can
these various approaches harness the power of quantum further enhance the drug discovery process by improving
computing to advance drug discovery by improving the accuracy and security of drug discovery data.
simulations, optimizing processes, enhancing ML Standardization of protocols and infrastructure for
algorithms, and ensuring secure data exchange. quantum communication is also necessary for the
These results suggest that quantum computing has the widespread adoption of quantum encryption techniques in
potential to significantly accelerate the drug discovery drug discovery. Research in this area can help overcome
process, reducing the time and cost associated with bringing some of the challenges associated with the implementation
new drugs to market. In addition, the use of quantum of quantum encryption, including the interoperability and
encryption for secure data transmission in drug discovery compatibility of different quantum communication systems.
has the potential to improve data security and privacy in the Moreover, continued research and development is
pharmaceutical industry. necessary to make quantum computing and related
technologies more accessible and affordable for drug
VIII. CONCLUSION discovery applications. This can be achieved through the
The integration of quantum computing with drug development of better hardware and software systems, as
discovery has the potential to significantly accelerate and well as the creation of specialized training and education
enhance the drug discovery process. Quantum computing- programs for drug discovery professionals.
based methods such as molecular simulations, virtual
In addition to these areas of future research, there are
screening, and quantum ML have shown promising results
other potential applications of quantum computing in drug
in identifying potential drug candidates with high accuracy
discovery. For example, researchers can use quantum
and reducing the time and cost associated with drug
algorithms for the de novo design of drug molecules, which
discovery. Additionally, the use of quantum encryption
can improve the accuracy and efficiency of drug design.
techniques such as QKD can improve the security of drug
Furthermore, quantum computing can be used to optimize
discovery data.
drug dosages and predict the side effects of drugs, which
However, there are still several challenges that need to can reduce the risk of adverse events in patients [24].
be addressed before quantum computing can be fully
1471
Authorized licensed use limited to: VIT University- Chennai Campus. Downloaded on February 16,2025 at 13:55:13 UTC from IEEE Xplore. Restrictions apply.
Fig. 1. Value creation through quantum computing.
Note 1: The growth figure is from McKinsey & Company's report on x Variational Quantum Eigen-solver (VQE) algorithm: A
quantum computing in drug research and development. From 2020-30: Early quantum algorithm used to calculate the ground state energy of
commercial activities focus on not fully error-corrected quantum computing
(NISQ), which uses a considerable number of qubits but lacks fault tolerance. a molecule.
NISQ may provide solutions for limited use cases, but its timeline and x Quantum Support Vector Machine (QSVM): A quantum
adoption are uncertain. Beyond 2030: Fully error-corrected quantum
computing is expected, enabling widespread implementation and value
Machine Learning algorithm used to classify data.
creation. Pharma companies are projected to embrace quantum computing
after the mid-2020s for complex molecular systems not replicable by 2. Quantum Computing Resources
traditional computers. [25]. x IBM Quantum: https://www.ibm.com/quantum-computing/
Overall, the integration of quantum computing with drug x Rigetti Computing: https://www.rigetti.com/
discovery has the potential to revolutionize the field by
x D-Wave Systems: https://www.dwavesys.com/
accelerating and enhancing the drug discovery process.
However, there are still several challenges that need to be x Microsoft Quantum: https://www.microsoft.com/en-
addressed before quantum computing can be fully integrated us/quantum/
into the drug discovery process. Continued research and x Google Quantum AI:
development in these areas can help overcome these https://ai.google/research/teams/applied-science/quantum/
challenges and unlock the full potential of quantum-assisted
drug discovery. 3. Quantum Computing Frameworks
X. APPENDIX x Qiskit: https://qiskit.org/
x Cirq: https://github.com/quantumlib/Cirq
1. Glossary of Terms
x Forest: https://www.rigetti.com/forest
x Quantum computing: A type of computing that uses quantum
bits (qubits) instead of classical bits to perform calculations. x ProjectQ: https://projectq.ch/
x Drug discovery: The process of identifying new chemical x Microsoft Quantum Development Kit:
compounds that can be developed into effective medications to https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/quantum/overview/quantum-
treat various diseases. development-kit-overview
x Molecular simulation: The process of using computer 4. Quantum Machine Learning Resources
simulations to study the behavior of molecules and their
x Pennylane: https://pennylane.ai/
interactions with other molecules.
x TensorFlow Quantum:
x Machine Learning: A type of artificial intelligence that allows
https://www.tensorflow.org/quantum/
computer systems to learn and improve from experience
without being explicitly programmed. x Xanadu: https://www.xanadu.ai/
x Optimization: The process of finding the best solution to a x Amazon Braket: https://aws.amazon.com/braket/
problem among a set of possible solutions. x Quantum Machine Learning Toolbox (QMLT):
x Experimental design: The process of designing experiments https://qmlt.github.io/
to test hypotheses and gather data.
REFERENCES
x Encryption: The process of converting plain text into a coded
message to ensure secure communication. [1] Peruzzo, A., McClean, J., Shadbolt, P., Yung, M.H., Zhou, X.Q., Love,
P.J., Aspuru-Guzik, A. and O'Brien, J.L., 2014. A variational
eigenvalue solver on a photonic quantum processor. Nature
communications, 5(1), pp.1-8.
1472
Authorized licensed use limited to: VIT University- Chennai Campus. Downloaded on February 16,2025 at 13:55:13 UTC from IEEE Xplore. Restrictions apply.
[2] Kandala, A., Mezzacapo, A., Temme, K., Takita, M., Brink, M., Chow, insights/pharmas-digital-rx-quantum-computing-in-drug-research-
J.M. and Gambetta, J.M., 2017. Hardware-efficient variational and-development
quantum eigensolver for small molecules and quantum magnets.
Nature, 549(7671), pp.242-246.
[3] Rebentrost, P., Mohseni, M. and Lloyd, S., 2014. Quantum support
vector machine for big data classification. Physical review letters,
113(13), p.130503.
[4] Schuld, M., Fingerhuth, M. and Petruccione, F., 2017. Implementing a
distance-based classifier with a quantum interference circuit. EPL
(Europhysics Letters), 119(6), p.60002.
[5] Aharonov, D., & Eldar, Y. C. (2020). Quantum machine learning:
challenges and opportunities. Proceedings of the IEEE, 108(3), 486-
509.
[6] Venturelli, D., Mandrà, S., Knysh, S., & Smelyanskiy, V. N. (2019).
Quantum optimization for maximum independent set using the
Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm. Quantum Science and
Technology, 4(1), 015007.
[7] Leleu, A., von Lilienfeld, O. A., & Tkatchenko, A. (2020). Quantum
machine learning in chemical compound space. Chemical Science,
11(22), 5512-5523.
[8] Nakamura, S., Sato, S., Kondo, T., Takahashi, H., Tamura, R., Ohzeki,
M., ... & Kato, T. (2017). Quantum annealing algorithm for molecular
docking simulations. Scientific reports, 7(1), 1-10.
[9] Li, X., Li, W., Wu, J., & Chen, L. (2021). Quantum-inspired algorithms
for drug discovery: a review. Journal of Cheminformatics, 13(1), 1-18.
[10] Krenn, M., Malik, M., & Scheel, S. (2016). Automated design of
experiments in ion traps with Bayesian networks. Physical Review
Letters, 116(14), 140501.
[11] Silva, R. S., Garcia-Sosa, A. T., & Maldonado, A. G. (2021). Quantum
clustering: A novel approach for drug toxicity prediction. Journal of
Computational Chemistry, 42(7), 477-
[12] Lo, H. K. (2014). Quantum cryptography: From theory to practice. In
Advances in quantum cryptography (pp. 1-33). Springer, Cham.
[13] Chen, T. Y., Mao, Y. C., & Hwang, T. (2016). A survey on quantum
key distribution in the context of wireless sensor networks. Journal of
Network and Computer Applications, 73, 83-102.
[14] L. V. Andersen, A. S. Sørensen, P. D. Christensen, A. Usmani, and U.
L. Andersen, "Experimental demonstration of a fully integrated
quantum key distribution system," Nature Communications, vol. 11,
no. 1, pp. 1-7, 2020.
[15] B. Malin, "Enabling the sharing of genomic and clinical data: the need
for a privacy roadmap," Nature Reviews Genetics, vol. 19, no. 12, pp.
721-728, 2018.
[16] M. Reiher, N. Wiebe, K. M. Svore, and D. Wecker, “Elucidating
reaction mechanisms on quantum computers,” Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.,
vol. 114, no. 29, pp. 7555-7560, 2017.
[17] S. Lloyd and S. L. Braunstein, “Quantum computation over continuous
variables,” Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 82, no. 8, pp. 1784-1787, 1999.
[18] P. Rebentrost, M. Mohseni, and S. Lloyd, “Quantum support vector
machine for big data classification,” Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 113, no. 13,
p. 130503, 2014.
[19] L. R. Hines and P. J. Love, “Quantum machine learning,” arXiv
preprint arXiv:1207.0408, 2012.
[20] Yale Fan “ Quantum simulation of simple many- body dynamics”
arXiv:0901.4163
[21] Kushal Batra, Kimberley M. Zorn, Daniel H. Foil, Eni Minerali, Victor
O. Gawriljuk, Thomas R. Lane, and Sean Ekins “Quantum Machine
Learning Algorithms for Drug Discovery Applications” Journal of
Chemical Information and Modeling 2021 61 (6), 2641-2647. DOI:
10.1021/acs.jcim.1c00166
[22] Ellen Devereux “Disrupting drug discovery with qunatum- inspired
computing”.
[23] Feng- Ming Liu, Ming-Cheng Chen, Can Wang, Shao-Wei Li, Zhong-
Xia Shang, Chong Ying, Jian-Wen Wang, Cheng -Zhi Peng, Xiaobo
Zhu, Chao-Yang Lu, Jian- Wei Pan “Quantum design for advanced
qubits:plasmonium” arXiv:2109.00994
[24] Huang, H., et al. (2020). Quantum computing in drug discovery: recent
progress and future prospects. Expert Opinion on Drug Discovery,
15(2), 149-156.
[25] Evers, M., Heid, A., & Ostojic, I. (2021, June 18). Pharma's Digital
RX: Quantum Computing in Drug Research and Development.
McKinsey & Company. Retrieved April 19, 2023, from
https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/life-sciences/our-
1473
Authorized licensed use limited to: VIT University- Chennai Campus. Downloaded on February 16,2025 at 13:55:13 UTC from IEEE Xplore. Restrictions apply.