Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most urgent global health challenges. A new project, Q‑ARMOR, led in part by researchers from the University of Fribourg, aims to develop a new generation of antibiotics using quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and biotechnology.

Each year, antimicrobial resistance causes more than a million deaths worldwide. Experts warn that the number could rise dramatically unless new treatments are developed. Combatting antimicrobial resistance is today a global health priority and one of the major United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The project Q-ARMOR (Quantum-AI Assisted Rational design of Metallopeptide cOnjugates Against antimicrobial Resistance) aims to transform how antibiotics are discovered. It is co-financed by the Swiss National Science Foundation and the Swiss Innovation Agency (Innosuisse) through the Bridge Quantum call 2025, supported by the national Swiss Quantum Initiative.

At the University of Fribourg, Prof. Marco Lattuada and Prof. Fabio Zobi (Department of Chemistry) are leading the project together with Dr Julien Baglio (Department of Physics, University of Basel). In collaboration with the deep-tech companies QuantumBasel and Molecular Quantum Solutions, the team aims to develop a completely new generation of antimicrobial drugs capable of combating bacteria that no longer respond to conventional antibiotics.

 A novel approach combining quantum computing, AI and chemistry
Unlike traditional approaches, Q-ARMOR will use quantum-enhanced simulations to study how resistant bacteria behave at the molecular level. At the same time, quantum AI systems will design entirely new antimicrobial compounds, based on a combination of antimicrobial peptides and metal complexes, that would be difficult or impossible to discover with existing methods. The project will also develop innovative delivery systems in the body to improve their efficacy.

The simulations, carried out in collaboration with the group of Prof. Markus Reiher at ETHZ, will be coupled with an experimental synthetic effort to test the activity of the newly designed molecules in vitro and in vivo through collaboration with Prof. Alexandar Pavic at the Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade.

An interdisciplinary collaboration
By bringing together experts in quantum chemistry, molecular simulation, inorganic chemistry, biotechnology, and quantum computing, Q-ARMOR hopes to dramatically accelerate antibiotic discovery while reducing development costs and experimental waste.

The project could help open a new frontier in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance while reinforcing Switzerland’s leadership in pharmaceutical innovation and quantum technologies.