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Annual Methodological Archive Research Review

Quantum Machine Learning for Molecular Design and Drug Discovery: A Qualitative Study

Bashir Khan, Faheem Ahmed, Farrukh Bashir, Zuheeb Ahmed, Armaghan Qayyum

Published Mar 30, 2026• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

Quantum machine learning (QML) has become a key research field on the interface between quantum computing, artificial intelligence, chemistry and pharmaceutical science. By enhancing the molecular representation, predictive modeling, generative chemistry, and quantum-assisted simulations workflows, researchers are increasingly arguing that QML can aid work in molecular design and drug discovery. Meanwhile, this field is still in its new frontiers with much of the published literature only comprising reviews, simulations, proof-of-concept applications, and hybrid quantum-classical demonstrations as opposed to large-scale pharmaceutical application. In this qualitative study, the literature emerging is reviewed to determine how QML is being conceptualized, areas of application seem the most promising, and what obstacles remain that hamper its practical implementation in actual drug discovery pipelines. The paper presents five large themes segmented into a thematic analysis of recent reviews and representative studies and includes relevant themes as QML as a representational innovation, QML in predictive tasks, e.g., drug-target interaction and ADMET modeling, QML in generative molecular design, hybrid quantum-classical workflows as the most plausible approach in the near term, and the continuation of restrictions in terms of hardware, trainability, data This research paper concludes that the idea of QML must be seen at present as a field not as an alternative to the classical machine learning in drug discovery, but it is an opportunity with strategic and scientific potential whose future realization may be found in the subproblems carefully chosen where the influence of molecular quantum effects, the complexity of learning, and the hybrid implementations converge. Keywords: quantum machine learning, molecular design, drug discovery, qualitative study, quantum computing, generative chemistry, ADMET, drug-target interaction

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Quantum computing plays a significant role in simulating molecules and atoms and offers advantages in chemistry over classical computing. The potential of Quantum Machine Learning (QML) can be used in drug discovery, chemical reaction simulations, and Material design for pharmaceuticals. QML leverages quantum computing and advanced machine learning to accelerate the identification of drug candidates, predict molecular interactions, and optimize compounds. In this paper, we present a systematic review of the methods used for molecular property prediction and molecular generation using quantum machine learning. We have included the recent research, perspective, advantages, and challenges that must be addressed to achieve this task. The objective of this research is not only to discuss current strategies and methods used for drug discovery but also to promote interdisciplinary research in the field of quantum computing and chemistry for wellness.
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