Collaborating for coronavirus drug discovery
Novartis
A global drug-discovery team at Novartis is working to address current and future pandemics with help from Nanome and Oculus.
The Challenge
Early-stage drug researchers were forced to use 2D representations of 3D molecules, creating PowerPoint presentations to share hypotheses with colleagues who lack expertise in viewing complex molecular structures.
The Solution
Nanome's VR software on Oculus headsets allows scientists to physically interact with molecular structures, turning passive observers into interacting participants and enabling real-time collaboration across global teams.
Results
- Scientists can step inside molecules and view them from every angle
- Chemists and biologists generate ideas collaboratively in VR
- Remote collaboration during the pandemic via wireless Oculus Quest headsets
- Accelerated the drug discovery communication process
“Visualization in real 3D versus a flat screen transforms things, and it helps accelerate the process of discovery.”
“The immersion is amazing - one can even step into the molecule and look at it from inside, which was simply impossible using our older 3D visualization technologies.”
“VR with Nanome and Oculus has the power of improving our communication for this critical decision-making process.”