Imagine a quiet, sterile laboratory at a pharmaceutical company. A team of dedicated scientists have been tirelessly working for years to find a breakthrough in the fight against a deadly disease. Their goal? To discover a new drug that could save countless lives. But progress is slow, and the clock is ticking. This scenario is not unique. In labs worldwide, researchers are locked in an eternal battle with time and resources. Healthcare and drug discovery needs a remarkable innovation that can change the game. Quantum computing in healthcare could be that game-changer.
Before we delve into quantum computing for healthcare, let’s understand what quantum computing is.
What is Quantum Computing?
Quantum computing is an emerging technology that leverages the power of quantum mechanics to solve problems too complex for classical computers. It utilizes quantum bits, or qubits, instead of classical bits to perform calculations.
Qubits have some quantum properties that allow quantum computers to perform tasks faster and more efficiently than classical computers. Superposition and entanglement are two of those properties. Let’s discuss them in detail:
- Superposition: Qubits can represent numerous possible combinations of 1 and 0 at the same time. They can be in multiple states at the same time. This ability to be in multiple states simultaneously is called superposition. Thanks to this ability, a quantum computer with several qubits can crunch through many potential outcomes at the same time.
- Entanglement: Researchers can generate pairs of entangled qubits in a single quantum state. When one qubit’s state changes, the other’s changes instantly, regardless of distance. Thanks to entanglement, increasing the number of qubits increases a quantum machine’s number-crunching ability exponentially.
If you’re still not so sure what quantum computing is, no need to fret. You can check out this video that explains quantum computing in 5 difficulty levels.
Now it’s clear that the potential of quantum computing surpasses that of classical computing. Let’s look at the difference between these two.
Classical Computing vs Quantum Computing
Let’s understand the differences between quantum and classical computing in detail:
| Classical Computing | Quantum Computing |
| Classical computers operate in terms of bits, which can be either 0 or 1. | Quantum computer’s basic operation units are “qubits,” which can be 0,1 or both simultaneously. |
| In classical computing, the amount of information you process increases linearly with the number of bits. | In quantum computing, the amount of information you process increases exponentially with the number of qubits. |
| Classical computers process computations sequentially. | Quantum computers process computations simultaneously. |
| Classical computers have low error rates and can operate at room temperature. | Quantum computers have high error rates, and some quantum systems need to be kept ultracold. |
History of Quantum Computing
Before delving into the applications of quantum computing for healthcare, let’s look at the evolution of this field:
- In 1891, Richard Feynman first coined the term ‘quantum computing’.
- In 1998, the first 2-qubit quantum computer was invented.
- After a decline in interest in quantum computing over the years, the field has recently started experiencing a rapid series of developments.
- In 2019, Google’s 54-qubit quantum computer accomplished a task in merely 200 seconds. Google estimated that classical computers would take over 10,000 years for the same task.
- In 2022, quantum computing reached another milestone with IBM’s 433 qubits machine. With such milestones being achieved, the potential of quantum computing continues to grow.
Quantum computing applications can be found in various fields, such as communication, image processing, information theory, electronics, cryptography, finance, materials science, and healthcare—the full potential of quantum computing in these fields is yet to be discovered.
We’ll focus primarily on the applications of quantum computing in healthcare.
Quantum Computing Applications in Healthcare
The applications of quantum computing in healthcare can be found in drug discovery, precision medicine, medical imaging, genomics, and more. Let’s dive deeper into some of the applications of quantum computing in healthcare:
Drug Discovery
A significant quantum computing use case can be found in accelerating drug discoveries. Quantum computers simulate large molecules and compounds faster than classical computers, leading to quicker development of new drugs. They also improve drug design accuracy by effectively predicting interactions between drugs and their targets, resulting in more efficient and safer drugs. The insights can then help identify new drug targets and disease biomarkers.
Genomics
Genomics is the study of an organism’s genetic material, known as the genome. Genomic data is very complex and vast, requiring immense computational power. Classical computers have difficulty processing and analyzing genomic data on time. The potential of quantum computing to quickly analyze vast data can provide insights into genetic causes of diseases and help personalize medicine.
Treatment Planning
Quantum computing in healthcare can optimize treatment planning by processing patient data, medical records, and treatment guidelines. Quantum algorithms can create optimized treatment plans that maximize effectiveness while minimizing side effects. Thus, improving the overall quality of care and patient outcomes.
Medical Imaging
Medical imaging is essential in diagnosing and treating many diseases. The process is, however, time-consuming and computationally intensive. The computational power of quantum computers can enhance medical imaging techniques, enable higher-resolution imaging, and process data faster. Thus, quantum computing in healthcare could improve diagnostic accuracy and help detect diseases earlier.
Data Analytics
The healthcare industry generates large amounts of data, and quantum computers can process these data much more quickly and efficiently than classical computers. They can help with trend identification, disease outbreak prediction, resource allocation optimization, and population health management.
Data Handling
Quantum computing in healthcare can enhance data security and privacy. As quantum technologies advance, they can provide robust encryption methods resistant to quantum attacks. Thus, securing sensitive patient information and maintaining the confidentiality of healthcare data.
Clinical Trials
Quantum computing in healthcare can optimize clinical trial design and analysis, leading to more effective treatments and improved patient outcomes. It can also improve patient stratification, enhance predictive analysis, and help track the effectiveness of interventions, highlighting the potential of quantum computing for healthcare.
Supercharging Artificial Intelligence
AI is already used in healthcare for predictive analytics, decision support systems, and automation of tasks. Another quantum computing use case can be found in supercharging these AI applications, allowing for faster processing of complex machine learning algorithms, more advanced pattern recognition, and real-time data analysis.
Healthcare Systems Optimization
On the administrative side, quantum computing can optimize complex systems such as hospital logistics, scheduling, supply chains, and resource allocation, making healthcare delivery more efficient.
Quantum Computing Applications in Practice
As per reports, the global market for quantum computing in healthcare is expected to grow at a CAGR of 42.5%, from $85 million in 2023 to $503 million by 2028. Considering the fast-paced development of quantum computing, this is the right time for healthcare researchers and practitioners to explore the potential of quantum computing for healthcare.
Let’s look at some quantum computing use cases already in practice for drug discovery and genomics:
Google and Boehringer Ingelheim
The German pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim partnered with Google Quantum AI in 2021 to explore quantum computing use cases in pharmaceutical research and development, particularly in molecular dynamics simulations.
Roche and Cambridge Quantum Computing
In 2021, the Swiss multinational healthcare company Roche and Cambridge Quantum Computing (CQC) announced a multi-year partnership to develop and use next-generation quantum algorithms for early-stage drug discovery and development.
The partnership is based on CQC’s EUMEN platform for quantum chemistry, designed to simulate molecules’ behavior at the quantum level. The two companies are developing new quantum algorithms that could make discovering new drugs faster and more cost-effective.
Menten AI and D-Wave
Biotech company Menten AI partnered with Canadian quantum computing company D-Wave Systems to advance quantum computing applications in healthcare by exploring new quantum computing use cases in the industry.
Menten AI uses D-Wave quantum computing to assist in designing novel therapeutic peptides—short strings of amino acids that can act as potent drugs. The collaboration between Menten AI and D-Wave is an exciting example of the applications of quantum computing and AI to solve complex life science problems.
IBM and Cleveland Clinic
In March 2023, the tech giant IBM Partnered with Cleveland Clinic to advance quantum computing applications in healthcare.
Through this partnership, The IBM Quantum System One, installed at Cleveland Clinic, became the first quantum computer in the world to be uniquely dedicated to healthcare research. The partnership will help Cleveland Clinic accelerate biomedical discoveries and experience the full potential of quantum computing.
Challenges of Quantum Computing in Healthcare
Quantum computing is still in its early stages of development, and many challenges must be addressed before adopting it in mainstream healthcare. Let’s look at the challenges that quantum computing for healthcare presents:
- Complexity: Constructing quantum computers is a formidable task due to their operation at the intricate atomic level.
- Lack of mature quantum algorithms: Due to their complexity and implementation challenges, many quantum algorithms are not yet mature enough for real-world applications.
- Lack of data: A large amount of data is needed to train quantum algorithms. However, the data sets used in life sciences and healthcare are not structured in a way compatible with quantum computing.
- Quantum decoherence: Quantum decoherence is the process by which quantum systems lose their properties because of environmental interaction. This loss of quantum properties can lead to errors in quantum computing.
- Scalability of quantum computers: Quantum computers are still very small, and it is not yet clear how to scale them up to the size needed for practical applications.
- Cost of quantum computers: Quantum computers are costly to build and operate. Cost issues are a significant barrier to adopting quantum computing in healthcare.
- Accuracy issues: Quantum computing technology is not yet highly accurate and could negatively impact quantum computing applications, including genetics and drug research.
- Cooling challenges: Quantum computing devices require extended cooling periods after reaching specific temperatures, which can hinder their effectiveness and production. The development of cooling systems for these devices can be cumbersome.
Future of Quantum Computing in Healthcare
“Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have.”
Winston Churchill
The potential of quantum computing in healthcare is wide-ranging and promising. While significant challenges remain in developing the necessary hardware and software, the field is advancing rapidly. Soon, it will create new possibilities that can improve the medical ecosystem immensely.
However, knowing that quantum computing in healthcare cannot replace the doctor-patient relationship is crucial. Nor can it replace the ability of a physician to offer encouragement, empathy, and social support.
Quantum computing should be viewed as a powerful ally in the ongoing battle for better health and longer lives, working in tandem with healthcare professionals to achieve the ultimate goal of a healthier society. As the field of quantum computing in healthcare evolves, it is poised to become a remarkable asset in the pursuit of healthier citizens and a brighter future for all.
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