Chinese quantum computing firm tackles breast cancer screenings, drug design
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The Hefei-based company, which is backed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has demonstrated the viability of its
Origin Wukong quantum computer in biomedical applications such as breast cancer mammography screening and small molecule drug design, according to a report by the state-run China News Service last week.
For breast cancer detection, the quantum computer could process high-dimensional medical imaging data 'exponentially faster', addressing common issues with traditional mammography such as high false-positive rates and inefficiency, according to the report.
Origin Quantum also collaborated with Fudan University and other institutions to validate quantum computing applications in small molecule drug design and crystal structure prediction. It has launched several quantum computer-based tools capable of, among other things, predicting drug toxicity and handling drug interaction analysis, company deputy director Zhao Xuejiao said, according to China News.
Quantum computers leverage the principles of quantum mechanics to solve complex problems much faster than classical computers. Biomedicine is one of the fields where researchers believe these cutting-edge machines could have a transformative impact.
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In September last year, the US National Institutes of Health announced a programme named Quantum Biomedical Innovations and Technologies, aimed at 'furthering the application' of quantum-based technologies in biomedical use cases.
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