At first glance, biotechnology and quantum computing appear to be two completely different disciplines \u2014 one focused on living systems, the other on one of the fundamental pillars of modern physics. Yet there are important intersections. Quantum computers are particularly well suited for simulating complex molecules, which in turn can optimize the development of new drugs. As early as 2023, IBM and Moderna \u2014 two giants from these distinct fields \u2014 took a concrete step toward quantum-based biotech research, aiming to more efficiently evaluate the vast array of possible mRNA sequences. In 2025, this innovative duo is now reaching a new milestone.<\/p>\n\n
Last year, a new record in quantum-based simulations was set by predicting the secondary structure of mRNA strands up to 60 nucleotides long \u2014 the essential building blocks of DNA and RNA \u2014 using a computing power of 80 qubits. In July of this year, IBM and Moderna announced plans to increase this performance to as much as 156 qubits by the end of 2025. Moderna\u2019s goal is to use Big Blue\u2019s expertise to build a quantum-powered biotechnology pipeline, enabling a broader range of molecules to be tested. Ultimately, this is expected to give the company a mid-term competitive advantage in the search for new drugs.<\/p>\n\n
In the short term, Moderna is engaged in an exciting race with rival BioNTech to develop the world\u2019s first mRNA-based cancer vaccine. In the pivot from COVID to cancer immunization, the U.S. biotech company currently holds the lead. At the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago this June, Moderna presented promising study results for its vaccine candidate mRNA-4157, which is used in combination with an immunotherapeutic agent to treat a malignant form of skin cancer. After an observation period of nearly three years, the treatment \u2014 combined with the antibody Keytruda from Merck & Co. \u2014 reduced the risk of cancer recurrence by 49%. Following these positive results, Moderna is seeking accelerated approval of the vaccine in the EU and the U.S. for 2025.<\/p>\n\n
But Moderna isn\u2019t just focusing on cancer treatment. The company is also conducting research in the fields of influenza and RSV. Most recently, it reported that its new flu vaccine, mRNA-1010, proved to be 26.6% more effective in a Phase 3 study among adults aged 50 and over compared to an approved annual flu shot from competitor GSK. According to experts, this improved efficacy is a necessary step toward gaining approval for a combination vaccine against both flu and COVID. Moderna plans to submit the approval application later this year. Regarding its new COVID-19 vaccine Spikevax, the company has already received positive feedback from the European Medicines Agency. The mRNA-based vaccine is expected to be available for the 2025/26 flu season. Overall, Moderna plans to launch up to ten new products by 2027.<\/p>\n\n