Telefónica, the Vithas Foundation and the Francisco de Vitoria University (UFV) have launched a project that uses quantum computing in the intelligent design of anti-cancer drugs. The goal of the project is to combat the BRAF V600E mutation, an altered protein that promotes the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. To do this, it seeks to generate molecules that inhibit the action of this protein.
The team in charge of the project has developed a hybrid model in order to achieve this, which combines conventional AI with the properties of quantum physics, for the generation of drug candidates, with a precision and quality far superior to the methods currently used. The project aims to overcome these experimental methods for drug discovery, which imply long development times, as well as a high discard rate.
The work of the project, which represents a relevant advance to speed up the development of critical treatments in oncology and various complex diseases, has been coordinated from the Javíer Echenique Talent and Technology Center, an advanced innovation space created by Telefónica in Bilbao that aims for Spain to be at the top in the field of applied quantum technology.
In the project, a classical neural network, known as long short-term memory (LTSM), functions as an organism that builds molecules and also takes advantage of the creative vision of a quantum circuit. This combination allows us to obtain a list of high-quality candidate molecules. Also its evaluation through chemical filters, a process that has the advantage of significantly shortening drug development research times.
The work carried out so far in the project has achieved very promising preliminary results, which show that the molecules obtained improve in practically all the parameters involved in the evolution of a potential drug.
This pilot adds the connectivity and computing capabilities of Telefónica, the clinical experience of Vithas and the knowledge of molecular biology of the UFV. The project will be shown at the Telefónica stand at the Mobile World Congress, which will be held in Barcelona from March 2 to 5, and will be presented throughout the event.
Juan Cambeiro, Head of Applied Quantum Projects at Telefónica Spaincomments that «This initiative demonstrates how quantum computing has ceased to be a theory and has become a tool with real possibilities in sectors such as health, industry, logistics or banking. At Telefónica we are committed to putting quantum technology at the service of our clients in a practical way and applied to real challenges. By hybridizing traditional Machine Learning techniques with quantum circuits in this project, we not only reduce research times, but also open the door to more efficient and accessible medicine.«.
Ángel Ayuso, Corporate Scientific Director of Vithas and Director of the Vithas Foundationpoints out that «From the Brain Tumor Laboratory, a joint unit of the Francisco de Vitoria University and the Vithas Foundation focused on glioblastoma, we promote a strategic line of drug discovery that combines the identification of targets or therapeutic molecules in adult and pediatric primary brain tumors (gliomas) with the rational design of molecules capable of modulating these targets. In this framework, the collaboration with Telefónica and UFV to incorporate quantum computing represents a differential leap: it allows us to refine the selection of structures with a greater probability of success and accelerate the path in the preclinical development of more effective and precise treatments.«.
Finally, Jorge Plazas, Professor at the Higher Polytechnic School of the Francisco de Vitoria Universityhas highlighted that «The adoption of quantum computing constitutes a paradigm shift in the management and processing of information. At the current stage of its development, this technology can already offer tangible advantages in specific application domains. The characterization of its capabilities, together with the expansion of its applicability to specific use cases, constitutes a priority line of research for the UFV. In this project, these objectives are part of a high-impact inter-institutional effort in the field of health.«.
