Quantum computers will accelerate the creation of new drugs

Quantum computers can significantly speed up the work of algorithms that are involved in processing

For example, in solving one of the most important problems of quantum chemistry — the study of biochemical reactions.With classical computers and computing systems, it is simply not possible to achieve the same scales that are available with quantum computers.For example, scientists will be able to accurately characterize biological systems directly at the molecular level.

Another area of ​​application for quantum computers- study of nitrogenase, an enzyme that is involved in the processes of enriching soil and water bodies with nitrogen. Nitrogenase is critical to the life of many plants and microorganisms. And quantum computers, in turn, are able to increase the efficiency of ammonia production (3% of the world's energy) by simulating the interaction of nitrogenase with the FeMo cofactor.

Protein structure prediction is another importantthe scope of application of quantum computers, since classical machines are practically powerless in this matter. The synergy between quantum computing and artificial intelligence, according to scientists, will lead to a breakthrough in the development of new drugs (including in terms of the speed of their synthesis).

All of these challenges are currently being addressed at the model level, but not yet at a data scale that would benefit from it.It can be assumed that we will see the first significant results from theapplication of quantum algorithms in the field of bioinformatics on the horizon of 2–3 years.The next step after that will be related to the industrial adoption of quantum computers and the scaling of their applications.

Alexey Fedorov, head of the scientific group “Quantum Information Technologies” of the Russian Quantum Center and professor at MIPT

Recall that the National Quantum LaboratoryIs a federal project created in November 2020 and bringing together several key universities, research centers and technology companies to create quantum computers.

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