Quantum Computing: Boehringer Ingelheim Pioneers with Google for Pharma R&D

Research and development are at the heart of our work as a research-driven pharmaceutical company. As such, almost all processes in pharmaceutical research and development (R&D) are computer-driven – from drug discovery to launch. Computers have led us to numerous groundbreaking medical solutions. Over the years, we have become experts in computer-based drug design and process modelling.

Despite these technical advancements, classical computers do reach barriers. Their ability to perform certain complex challenges, which are essential, particularly in the early stages of pharmaceutical R&D, is limited. This is where quantum computing comes in.

Quantum computers have a far greater level of performance compared to classical computers. By being able to take more variables into account and thus deliver a more comprehensive data analysis, the predictions of quantum computers are also more accurate compared to classical computers. They can resolve tasks exponentially faster than classical machines. According to estimations, a quantum computer could be able to complete a task in 200 seconds while a classical computer would need the enormous timespan of 10,000 years.^*

Boehringer Ingelheim sees great potential for the use of quantum computers in R&D. This is why the company has entered into a partnership with Google Quantum AI (Google) for quantum computing in early 2021. Google is one of the leading tech companies in the field of quantum computing.

“Together with Google, our goal is to apply the use of quantum computing in pharmaceutical R&D and thus continue to make a decisive contribution to medical progress for patients around the world,” said Michel Pairet, Member of the Board of Management of Boehringer Ingelheim with responsibility for the company’s Innovation Unit.

The partnership between Google and Boehringer Ingelheim focuses on researching and implementing cutting-edge use cases for quantum computing in pharmaceutical R&D, specifically including molecular dynamics simulations. Given their algorithm structure, today's computers are not able to solve many of the real complex challenges which are essential for the early stages of pharmaceutical R&D, most importantly simulating and analyzing disease mechanism related molecules. Quantum computing has the potential to accurately simulate and compare much larger molecules than currently possible, which will open up new opportunities for pharmaceutical innovation and therapies for a range of diseases, which could further contribute to the well-being of humans and animals around the world.

Thanks to faster options for the analysis and application of research, quantum computing could potentially reduce the time between drug discovery and market launch. This faster value chain may potentially lead these innovative solutions to reach the people who need them – patients and animals, doctors and veterinarians – more quickly.

Boehringer Ingelheim will therefore invest significantly in the coming years to realize the full potential of quantum computing. The company has already set up a dedicated Quantum Lab at Boehringer Ingelheim and hired outstanding experts in the field of quantum computing from academia, industry and quantum providers. Colleagues, mainly from Boehringer Ingelheim’s Innovation Unit and IT, support these experts in their work. Partnerships from industry and academia will complement the teams.

*Arute, F., Arya, K., Babbush, R. et al. Quantum supremacy using a programmable superconducting processor. Nature 574, 505–510 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-019-1666-5