Moderna, IBM Collaborate To Explore Quantum Computing & Generative AI For mRNA Science

Moderna, Inc., a biotechnology company that pioneered messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics and vaccines, and IBM announced a collaboration in which Moderna will investigate next-generation technologies such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence to advance and accelerate mRNA research and science. "Since our inception, we have always strived to be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, leveraging innovations to deliver the greatest possible impact to people through mRNA medicines," said Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel.

"We are thrilled to be collaborating with IBM to create novel AI models to advance mRNA science, prepare for the era of quantum computing, and prepare our business for these game-changing technologies." We are aiming for quantum computing breakthroughs, so we are investing now in developing a quantum-ready workforce to be fully prepared to harness the power of this technology." "IBM's purpose is to be a catalyst for making the world work better, which is perfectly exemplified by this collaboration with Moderna." "We are living through a computing revolution, fueled by extraordinary advances in AI and quantum computing," said Dr. Daro Gil, senior vice president and director of IBM Research. "Moderna will be able to benefit from our multi-year research efforts in generative AI for therapeutics, which will enable scientists to better understand how molecules behave and may facilitate the creation of entirely new ones." We are also excited to collaborate with Moderna to help train their scientists in the knowledge and application of IBM's industry-leading quantum computing technologies in order to accelerate the discovery and development of new therapeutics."

Quantum computing is a rapidly evolving and transformative technology that uses quantum mechanics principles to solve problems that are too complex for classical computers. Moderna scientists will learn how quantum technology can be used to solve problems that were previously intractable for classical computers. The companies will collaborate to investigate the potential application of quantum approaches to Moderna's scientific challenges.

Moderna will be a part of the IBM Quantum Accelerator programme as well as the IBM Quantum Network. Under the terms of the agreement, IBM will provide Moderna with access to quantum computing systems as well as expertise to aid in the exploration of cutting-edge life sciences use-cases powered by quantum technologies. Scientists from Moderna and IBM will use MoLFormer, an AI foundation model that can help scientists predict the properties of molecules and could help them understand the properties of potential mRNA medicines. Moderna intends to use MoLFormer to help optimise lipid nanoparticles, which encapsulate and protect mRNA as it travels throughout the body, and mRNA, which acts as instructions to cells in order to fight disease.

Moderna and IBM will collaborate on this initiative to design mRNA medicines with optimal safety and performance by combining cutting-edge formulation discovery with generative AI. Moderna has evolved from a research-stage company advancing programmes in the field of messenger RNA (mRNA) to an enterprise with a diverse clinical portfolio of vaccines and therapeutics across seven modalities, a broad intellectual property portfolio in areas such as mRNA and lipid nanoparticle formulation, and an integrated manufacturing plant that allows for rapid clinical and commercial production at scale in the more than ten years since its inception. IBM is a global leader in hybrid cloud, AI, and consulting services. We assist clients in over 175 countries in capitalising on data insights, streamlining business processes, lowering costs, and gaining a competitive advantage in their industries.