UAlberta, Xanadu partner to accelerate discovery of cancer-fighting drugs through quantum computing

The University of Alberta and quantum computing company Xanadu have partnered to build software that will assist with testing and predicting compounds for potential use in cancer treatment. The work will focus on using quantum computing to model photodynamic therapy, where light-activated compounds are placed in the body and activated with a laser to destroy tumor cells. UAlberta Professor Dr Alex Brown and Xanadu’s algorithms team will lead the research. “By combining Xanadu’s quantum expertise with our experience in modelling photodynamic therapy, we’re excited to explore how quantum computing could provide new tools for designing more effective treatments,” said Brown.