Developing a device to improve drug screening using quantum sensing and ultrasound.
Official title: Quantum Sensing Integrated with Ultrasound for Precise Drug Screening
Funded at Uforce Biotechnology, LLC · NIH-11185820 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new device that helps scientists find the best drug candidates faster by measuring how strongly drugs stick to their targets, which could make developing new medicines quicker and more reliable for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Uforce Biotechnology, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $267,323 |
| NIH project number | 1R41GM159474-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11185820 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that require new drug therapies or those involved in clinical trials for drug development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not seeking new drug therapies or those with conditions that are already well-managed by existing treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create a novel quantum sensing device that enhances the drug development process by accurately measuring the binding strengths of drug molecules and nucleic acids. Utilizing a technique called super-resolution force spectroscopy (SURFS), the device can detect minute forces, allowing for precise differentiation between similar drug candidates. The integration of this technology with ultrasound will facilitate the analysis of multiple samples simultaneously, making the process more efficient and cost-effective. If successful, this device could significantly streamline the drug screening process, leading to faster and more reliable drug development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted drug therapies, improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using quantum sensing in drug development is innovative, similar techniques in force spectroscopy have shown promise in other contexts, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Uforce Biotechnology, LLC
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Shoujun — Uforce Biotechnology, LLC
- Study coordinator: Xu, Shoujun
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.