In Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences' cutting-edge drug discovery lab on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, researchers are exploring the potential of quantum computing to revolutionize the way new medicines are designed and developed. At the forefront of this work is Daniel LaBarbera, PhD, who is leading efforts to integrate quantum computing with artificial intelligence in pharmaceutical research.
“Quantum computing is really an exciting area that we're hoping to apply to drug discovery,” said Dr. LaBarbera.
The team is developing advanced artificial intelligence algorithms aimed at improving drug design and the properties that make drugs effective. “Currently, we're at the stage of developing artificial intelligence algorithms applied to drug discovery, drug design, and improving drug-like properties,” he said.
“We're developing these AI algorithms to be compatible with quantum computing so it bridges the classical computer world with the new and emerging quantum computer world.”
To understand the power of this shift, LaBarbera explains the fundamental difference between classical and quantum computing: “Classical computers are like a light switch. They can work either on or off, but they can only exist in that state. Quantum computers are quite different. You can think of them as a light switch dimmer, meaning they can exist as on or off simultaneously, or anywhere on that spectrum.”
Because of this, quantum systems can handle vastly more complex calculations. This speed and complexity could have profound implications for how quickly and accurately drugs are developed.
“What is exciting is the promise that quantum computing provides in terms of increasing the accuracy of drug discovery and drug design, but also increasing the rate that we can get to these really critical drug therapies and move them into the clinic faster,” he said.
Ultimately, the goal is to bring powerful new treatments to patients who need them most. “We can unlock new and more effective therapies for diseases that were considered previously untreatable, tailor these therapies to individuals, and save countless lives in the future,” LaBarbera said.