Japan Tobacco Inc. and D-Wave Announce Collaboration Aimed at Accelerating Innovative Drug Discovery with Quantum AI

Rhea-AI Summary

D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) and Japan Tobacco Inc.'s pharmaceutical division have announced a collaboration on a proof-of-concept project to leverage quantum computing and artificial intelligence in drug discovery. The project aims to use D-Wave's annealing quantum computing solutions to accelerate the speed and quality of training JT's AI-driven analysis systems for drug design.

The goal is to pioneer a new process for discovering 'first-in-class' pharmaceutical small compounds. JT's AI team will be supported by D-Wave's professional services experts. Dr. Masaru Tateno, CSO of JT's Pharmaceutical Research Center, expressed high expectations for the effectiveness of D-Wave's quantum technology in expanding the exploration space for pharmaceutical small compounds.

Following the proof-of-concept project, JT plans to further advance the developed Quantum AI-driven Drug Discovery analysis systems and potentially move quantum computing technology into production operations.

Positive

• Collaboration with a major pharmaceutical company (Japan Tobacco Inc.) for drug discovery
• Potential to accelerate and improve the quality of AI-driven drug discovery processes
• Expansion into the pharmaceutical industry, demonstrating versatility of D-Wave's quantum technology

Negative

• Project is still in proof-of-concept stage, with no guaranteed success or revenue impact
• No specific timeline or financial details provided for the collaboration

Insights

Pharmaceutical Research Analyst

This collaboration between Japan Tobacco's pharmaceutical division and D-Wave marks a significant step towards revolutionizing drug discovery through quantum computing and AI. The project aims to accelerate the discovery of first-in-class small molecule pharmaceuticals, potentially reducing the time and cost of drug development. By leveraging D-Wave's annealing quantum computing solutions, JT hopes to enhance the speed and quality of their AI-driven drug design systems. This could expand the exploration space for pharmaceutical compounds, potentially leading to more innovative and effective drugs. The success of this proof-of-concept could set a new standard in the pharmaceutical industry, addressing key challenges such as the difficulty, uncertainty and duration of new drug development. While the immediate financial impact may be , the long-term implications for JT's pharmaceutical division and the broader industry could be substantial if the project yields positive results.

Quantum Computing Expert

D-Wave's involvement in this pharmaceutical research project showcases the growing practical applications of quantum computing in complex problem-solving domains. Annealing quantum computers are particularly well-suited for optimization problems, which are abundant in drug discovery processes. By using quantum systems as accelerators for AI training, we may see significant improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of computational drug design. This collaboration could serve as a valuable case study for the practical benefits of quantum-classical hybrid approaches in industry. If successful, it may drive increased adoption of quantum technologies in pharmaceutical R&D and other sectors. For D-Wave, this high-profile partnership could enhance its market position and validate its technology in a critical industry application. However, it's important to note that quantum advantage in real-world applications is still an evolving field and the ultimate success of this project will depend on overcoming various technical challenges.

Proof-of-concept project to explore using quantum computing to revolutionize the speed and quality of “Quantum AI-driven Drug Discovery,” aimed at creating first-in-class small molecule pharmaceuticals

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) (“D-Wave” or the “Company”), a leader in quantum computing systems, software, and services and the world’s first commercial supplier of quantum computers, and the pharmaceutical division of Japan Tobacco Inc. (“JT”) today announced plans to collaborate on a joint proof-of-concept project that will leverage quantum computing technology and artificial intelligence (“AI”) in the drug discovery process, i.e., “Quantum AI-driven Drug Discovery.”

Supported by D-Wave's team of professional services experts, the AI team in JT’s pharmaceutical division will utilize D-Wave's annealing quantum computing solutions as accelerators in the speed and quality of training JT’s novel AI-driven analysis systems, aiming to extend the applicable range of such AI systems in the drug discovery field (AI-driven Drug Design). The goal of the project is to pioneer a new process for discovering 'first-in-class' pharmaceutical small compounds.

"In our development of AI-driven drug discovery systems, we have been focusing on and researching quantum computing technologies as a speed and quality accelerator in the drug design process,” said Dr. Masaru Tateno, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of JT's Pharmaceutical Research Center. “In this context, we examine our novel theory and systems in our joint proof-of-concept project, and thus we have high expectations for the effectiveness of D-Wave's annealing quantum computing solutions. By utilizing D-Wave's quantum technology, we aim to pioneer a new standard that significantly accelerates the speed and quality of drug discovery and expands the exploration space for pharmaceutical small compounds."

"Pharmaceutical companies need to maintain competitiveness while addressing the challenges of difficulty, uncertainty, and duration in new drug development, creating an environment that is accelerating the speed and quality for AI drug discovery,” said Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave. “D-Wave is committed to supporting JT's pharmaceutical division in maximizing the capabilities of AI through quantum computing technology, with the goal of expanding the exploration space for pharmaceutical small compounds."

Following the proof-of-concept project, JT’s pharmaceutical division plans to further advance the developed, Quantum AI-driven Drug Discovery analysis systems and eventually move the application of quantum computing technology into production operations.

About JT Pharma

JT commenced its pharmaceutical business in 1987 with its mission to create original and innovative drugs for patients suffering from diseases around the world. To learn more, visit https://www.jt.com/about/division/pharma/index.html.

About D-Wave Quantum Inc.

D-Wave is a leader in the development and delivery of quantum computing systems, software, and services, and is the world’s first commercial supplier of quantum computers—and the only company building both annealing quantum computers and gate-model quantum computers. Our mission is to unlock the power of quantum computing today to benefit business and society. We do this by delivering customer value with practical quantum applications for problems as diverse as logistics, artificial intelligence, materials sciences, drug discovery, scheduling, cybersecurity, fault detection, and financial modeling. D-Wave’s technology has been used by some of the world’s most advanced organizations including Mastercard, Deloitte, Davidson Technologies, ArcelorMittal, Siemens Healthineers, Unisys, NEC Corporation, Pattison Food Group Ltd., DENSO, Lockheed Martin, Forschungszentrum Jülich, University of Southern California, and Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and may not be indicative of future results. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, among others, various factors beyond management’s control, including the risks set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” discussed under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part I of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or any updates discussed under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part II of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in our other filings with the SEC. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements in this press release in making an investment decision, which are based on information available to us on the date hereof. We undertake no duty to update this information unless required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241001077960/en/

D-Wave

Alex Daigle

media@dwavesys.com

Source: D-Wave Quantum Inc.

FAQ

What is the purpose of D-Wave's collaboration with Japan Tobacco Inc.?

The collaboration aims to leverage quantum computing and AI in drug discovery, specifically to accelerate and improve the quality of AI-driven drug design processes for discovering first-in-class pharmaceutical small compounds.

How will D-Wave's quantum technology be used in the project with Japan Tobacco Inc.?

D-Wave's annealing quantum computing solutions will be used as accelerators to enhance the speed and quality of training JT's AI-driven analysis systems for drug discovery.

What are the potential benefits of using quantum computing in drug discovery for QBTS?

The collaboration could demonstrate the effectiveness of D-Wave's quantum technology in pharmaceutical research, potentially leading to new applications and customers in the industry, which could positively impact QBTS stock.

What are Japan Tobacco Inc.'s plans after the proof-of-concept project with D-Wave (QBTS)?

JT plans to further advance the developed Quantum AI-driven Drug Discovery analysis systems and potentially move the application of quantum computing technology into production operations.