Moderna and IBM Partner to Use Quantum Computing for Vaccine Design.

Moderna and IBM are using quantum computing to design vaccines faster by predicting how mRNA folds into different shapes inside the body. They use a financial risk method called Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR) to improve quantum algorithms and have run the largest-ever quantum simulation of mRNA secondary structures using up to 80 qubits. This work demonstrates that quantum computing can match or surpass classical methods, giving scientists more options to test in the lab. Analysts think MRNA stock has more room to run than IBM.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Moderna and IBM are leveraging quantum computing to expedite the design of vaccines by predicting how mRNA folds into different shapes inside the body. This innovative approach utilizes a financial risk method known as Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR) to enhance quantum algorithms, resulting in the largest-ever quantum simulation of mRNA secondary structures using up to 80 qubits [1].

The partnership between Moderna and IBM aims to optimize the mRNA technology instructions that accurately instruct the body to produce therapeutic proteins. Each protein can be encoded by a vast number of mRNA sequences, making the optimization process complex and time-consuming. By employing quantum computing, scientists can explore a broader range of possibilities more efficiently, potentially leading to more effective and stable vaccine designs.

The use of CVaR, a risk-assessment technique commonly used in finance, focuses the optimization process on the lower tail of the energy distribution. This method helps to target the most promising solutions while reducing sensitivity to noisy outliers, thereby improving the efficiency of quantum algorithms [2].

Moderna and IBM have already achieved significant milestones in their quantum-enhanced drug discovery efforts. In 2024, they set a record by simulating mRNA sequences up to 60 nucleotides long, involving up to 80 qubits. This accomplishment demonstrates the potential of quantum computing in aiding Moderna's research [3].

Analysts believe that Moderna's (MRNA) stock has more room to run than IBM's (IBM) stock, given the transformative impact of quantum computing on the biotechnology sector. While IBM is a key player in quantum computing technology, Moderna's focus on mRNA-based medicines and vaccines positions it as a potential beneficiary of this technological advancement [4].

The integration of quantum computing into Moderna's vaccine design process signifies a step forward in the quest for quantum advantage—a point at which quantum computers can outperform classical computers for specific tasks. As quantum technology continues to evolve, it is likely to play an increasingly important role in various industries, including biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

References:
[1] https://www.ibm.com/quantum/blog/moderna-case-study
[2] https://www.investors.com/news/technology/quantum-computing-stocks-bank-of-america-report/
[3] https://www.hpcwire.com/2025/07/17/ibm-moderna-showcase-quantum-enhanced-drug-discovery/
[4] https://www.tipranks.com/news/how-ibm-and-moderna-mrna-are-using-quantum-computing-to-design-vaccines-faster