New funding will help scientists develop drugs for myotonic dystrophy

A team of researchers from the University of Nottingham have received funding to explore the capabilities of quantum computing for developing new drugs for myotonic dystrophy.

Building on an initial award of over £1m, a team of researchers from the University of Nottingham, with partners Phasecraft and QuEra Computing Inc., are one of only 8 successful teams worldwide to progress to the second phase of the Wellcome Leap $50 million supported challenge program Quantum for Bio (Q4Bio). The program 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. The new 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.

Jonathan Hirst, a Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Technologies and Professor of Computational Chemistry at the University, said: “We are working towards the ambitious goal of developing and utilising this fast-developing technology to help advance the treatment of a dreadful disease.”

Katie Inzani, who holds an EPSRC Quantum Technology Career Development Fellowship and is an Associate Professor in the School of Chemistry , said: “It has been an exciting first year of the project, and we are delighted with the progress that our multi-disciplinary team is making.”

“Quantum computing is an exciting research frontier and it is great to see colleagues from the School of Chemistry spearheading work in this area,” adds Professor Peter Licence, Head of the School of Chemistry at the University.

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.

About the University of Nottingham 

Ranked 32 in Europe and 16th 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 is 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 second most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2022 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. More news…