Xanadu Pioneers the Use of Quantum Computers in Photodynamic Cancer Therapy Research
Rhea-AI Summary
Xanadu Quantum Technologies (Nasdaq:CHAC) announced a new quantum computational framework to accelerate discovery of photosensitizers for photodynamic cancer therapy and published the work as a pre-print on arXiv on Dec 19, 2025. The research reports simulation of four diverse photosensitizers, highlights modelling of absorption and intersystem crossing rates, and estimates resources for running the algorithms on utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers.
Separately, Xanadu agreed to combine with Crane Harbor Acquisition Corp., creating NewCo expected to list on Nasdaq and the Toronto Stock Exchange and to be capitalized with approximately US$500 million (about US$225 million from Crane Harbor trust assuming no redemptions and US$275 million from committed private placement investors).
Positive
- Expected capitalization of US$500 million for NewCo
- US$275 million committed via private placement
- Research simulates 4 diverse photosensitizers
- Framework estimates resources for utility-scale fault-tolerant quantum runs
Negative
- Crane Harbor proceeds of US$225 million contingent on no redemptions
- Listing and transaction described as expected, not guaranteed
News Market Reaction – CHAC
On the day this news was published, CHAC gained 0.56%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
No peer stocks in the provided Blank Checks sector list showed momentum flags or same-day headlines, suggesting this development is being assessed on a company-specific basis rather than a sector-wide move.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 15 | Government funding award | Positive | +0.9% | Canada Quantum Champions Phase 1 support of up to CAD $23M for Xanadu. |
| Dec 08 | Partnership expansion & SPAC | Positive | -0.8% | Expanded A*STAR collaboration plus reiterated ~US$500M SPAC proceeds plan. |
| Nov 25 | Technical milestone & SPAC | Positive | -0.7% | Jet engine airflow quantum simulations and reminder of proposed business combination. |
| Nov 24 | F-4 submission & valuation | Positive | +1.5% | Confidential Form F-4 filing with pro forma EV and market cap for NewCo. |
| Nov 06 | DARPA initiative progress | Positive | -3.6% | Advancement to Stage B of DARPA program and expected US$500M SPAC proceeds. |
Recent positive funding and business-combination updates often produced mixed or negative short-term price reactions, indicating a tendency toward divergence between upbeat quantum/SPAC news and CHAC’s immediate trading.
Over the last few months, CHAC-linked news around Xanadu has focused on advancing fault‑tolerant photonic quantum computing and progressing the SPAC business combination. Key items include advancing to DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Stage B on Nov 6, 2025, announcing a proposed NewCo structure with expected US$500 million in gross proceeds and pro forma values of US$3.1 billion EV and US$3.6 billion market cap on Nov 24, 2025, technical milestones with Rolls-Royce, and up to CAD $23 million of Canadian government support on Dec 15, 2025. Price reactions to these generally positive catalysts were mixed.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement describes a new quantum computational framework for modeling photosensitizers in photodynamic cancer therapy and connects it to the planned business combination with Crane Harbor. Recent history shows Xanadu pairing technical milestones and government support, including expected proceeds of about US$500 million for NewCo, with extensive risk disclosures in multiple 425 filings. Investors may focus on clinical relevance of the four modeled photosensitizers and progress of the SPAC process and regulatory reviews.
Key Terms
photodynamic cancer therapy medical
photosensitizers medical
fault-tolerant quantum computers technical
quantum simulation algorithms technical
cumulative absorption medical
intersystem crossing rates medical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
TORONTO, Dec. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Xanadu Quantum Technologies Inc. (“Xanadu”), a leading photonic quantum computing company, today announced that it has developed a novel quantum computational framework to accelerate the discovery of next-generation photosensitizers for photodynamic cancer therapy, a targeted cancer treatment. Published as a pre-print article on arXiv, Xanadu’s new research demonstrates how fault-tolerant quantum computers can accelerate research into cutting-edge cancer treatments.
Photodynamic cancer therapy uses light-activated compounds called photosensitizers to selectively destroy tumor cells, typically resulting in less collateral damage than conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy. However, a photosensitizer’s success or failure often depends on complex properties, such as sensitivity to specific wavelengths of light and efficiency in triggering cancer cell death. Through the application of quantum simulation algorithms to four diverse photosensitizers, several of which are particularly challenging for classical simulations, Xanadu’s new research shows that quantum computers can effectively simulate the key properties needed to model and improve these treatments.
“The development of effective photosensitizers is currently hampered by the high cost and runtime required for experimental synthesis and classical simulations. We believe our results position fault-tolerant quantum computing as a highly attractive solution for discovering advanced photosensitizers by modelling key physical properties,” says Christian Weedbrook, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Xanadu.
Through this work, Xanadu provides a blueprint for an efficient, quantum-based workflow that can help identify potentially promising drug candidates. By focusing on simulating critical physical properties, such as cumulative absorption and intersystem crossing rates, Xanadu provides a way to determine, from first principles, which photosensitizer candidates could lead to highly efficient generation of reactive, cancer-killing molecules, thereby supporting the effectiveness of the photodynamic cancer treatment. In addition, the research provides estimates for the computational resources required to run these algorithms on utility-scale quantum computers and indicates potential speed and efficiency gains over classical methods.
This research serves as a foundational step toward a quantum-based workflow for drug design, with additional work planned to extend the framework to model more complex photosensitizer molecules. It provides an exciting new avenue for quantum computing to push the boundaries of drug development and cancer treatment.
Business Combination
Xanadu recently announced a business combination agreement with Crane Harbor Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: CHAC), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company (“Crane Harbor”). The combined company, Xanadu Quantum Technologies Limited (“NewCo”), is expected to be capitalized with approximately US
About Xanadu
Xanadu is a Canadian quantum computing company with the mission to build quantum computers that are useful and available to people everywhere. Founded in 2016, Xanadu has become one of the world’s leading quantum hardware and software companies. Xanadu also leads the development of PennyLane, an open-source software library for quantum computing and application development. Visit xanadu.ai or follow us on X @XanaduAI.
About Crane Harbor
Crane Harbor is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses.
Additional Information About the Proposed Transaction and Where to Find It
The proposed business combination transaction will be submitted to shareholders of Crane Harbor and Xanadu for their consideration. NewCo and Crane Harbor have jointly confidentially submitted a draft registration statement on Form F-4 (the “Registration Statement”) to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Registration Statement includes a proxy statement/prospectus to be distributed to Crane Harbor’s shareholders in connection with Crane Harbor’s solicitation of proxies for the vote by Crane Harbor’s shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction and other matters to be described in the Registration Statement, as well as the prospectus relating to the offer of the securities to be issued to Xanadu’s shareholders in connection with the completion of the proposed transaction. After the Registration Statement has been publicly filed and declared effective by the SEC, a definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents will be mailed to Crane Harbor shareholders as of the record date established for voting on the proposed transaction. Before making any voting or investment decision, Crane Harbor’s shareholders and other interested persons are advised to read, once available, the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and any amendments thereto and, once available, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus, as well as other documents filed with the SEC by NewCo and/or Crane Harbor in connection with the proposed transaction, as these documents will contain important information about NewCo, Crane Harbor, Xanadu and the proposed transaction. Shareholders may obtain a copy of the preliminary or definitive proxy statement/prospectus, once available, as well as other documents filed by NewCo and/or Crane Harbor with the SEC, without charge, at the SEC’s website located at www.sec.gov, Crane Harbor’s website at www.craneharboracquisition.com or by emailing investors@xanadu.ai.
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “target,” “continue,” “could,” “may,” “might,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict” or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. We have based these forward-looking statements on current expectations and projections about future events. These statements include: the stock exchanges on which the shares of the combined company are expected to trade; proceeds from the business combination and related PIPE; funds received by the combined company from Crane Harbor’s trust account and redemptions by Crane Harbor’s public shareholders; Xanadu’s research demonstrating how fault-tolerant quantum computers can accelerate research into cutting-edge cancer treatments; the efficacy of photodynamic therapy as a cancer therapy; Xanadu’s novel research showing that quantum computers can effectively simulate the key properties needed to model and improve these treatments; Xanadu’s research results positioning fault-tolerant quantum computing as a highly-attractive solution for discovering advanced photosensitizers by modelling key physical properties; Xanadu providing a blueprint for an efficient, quantum-based workflow that can help identify potentially promising drug candidates; Xanadu’s research providing estimates for the computational resources required to run algorithms on utility-scale quantum computers; potential speed and efficiency gains over classical quantum computing methods; potential additional work planned to extend Xanadu’s framework to model more complex photosensitizer molecules; and potential avenues for quantum computing and drug development and cancer treatment.
These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions, many of which are beyond the control of Xanadu and Crane Harbor. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause the actual results of the combined company following the proposed transaction, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include: that Xanadu is pursuing an emerging technology, faces significant technical challenges and may not achieve commercialization or market acceptance; Xanadu’s historical net losses and limited operating history; that there is substantial doubt about Xanadu's ability to continue as a going concern; Xanadu’s expectations regarding future financial performance, capital requirements and unit economics; Xanadu’s use and reporting of business and operational metrics; Xanadu’s competitive landscape; Xanadu’s dependence on members of its senior management and its ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; the potential need for additional future financing; Xanadu’s ability to manage growth and expand its operations; potential future acquisitions or investments in companies, products, services or technologies; Xanadu’s reliance on strategic partners and other third parties; Xanadu’s concentration of revenue in contracts with government or state-funded entities; Xanadu’s ability to maintain, protect and defend its intellectual property rights; risks associated with privacy, data protection or cybersecurity incidents and related regulations; the use, rate of adoption, and regulation of artificial intelligence and machine learning; uncertainty or changes with respect to laws and regulations; uncertainty or changes with respect to taxes, trade conditions and the macroeconomic environment; material weaknesses in Xanadu's internal control over financial reporting and the combined company’s ability to maintain internal control over financial reporting and operate as a public company; the possibility that required shareholder and regulatory approvals for the proposed transaction are delayed or are not obtained, which could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the proposed transaction; the risk that shareholders of Crane Harbor could elect to have their shares redeemed, leaving the combined company with insufficient cash to execute its business plans; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the business combination agreement; the outcome of any legal proceedings or government investigations that may be commenced against Xanadu or Crane Harbor; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction; the ability of Crane Harbor or the combined company to issue equity or equity-linked securities in connection with the proposed transaction or in the future; and other factors described in Crane Harbor’s filings with the SEC. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions, including that none of the risks identified above materialize; that there are no unforeseen changes to economic and market conditions, and that no significant events occur outside the ordinary course of business. Additional information concerning these and other factors that may impact such forward-looking statements can be found in filings and potential filings by Xanadu, Crane Harbor or the combined company resulting from the proposed transaction with the SEC, including under the heading “Risk Factors.” If any of these risks materialize or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. In addition, these statements reflect the expectations, plans and forecasts of Xanadu’s and Crane Harbor’s management as of the date of this communication; subsequent events and developments may cause their assessments to change. While Xanadu and Crane Harbor may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, they specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, unless required by applicable securities laws. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon these statements.
In addition, statements that “we believe” and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this presentation, and while we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements.
An investment in Crane Harbor is not an investment in any of Crane Harbor’s founders’ or sponsors’ past investments, companies or affiliated funds. The historical results of those investments are not indicative of future performance of Crane Harbor, which may differ materially from the performance of Crane Harbor’s founders’ or sponsors’ past investments.
No Offer or Solicitation
This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. This communication is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, a prospectus, an advertisement or a public offering of the securities described herein in the United States or any other jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or exemptions therefrom. INVESTMENT IN ANY SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED BY THE SEC OR ANY OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY NOR HAS ANY AUTHORITY PASSED UPON OR ENDORSED THE MERITS OF THE OFFERING OR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. This press release is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, a prospectus, an advertisement or a public offering in any province or territory of Canada. In addition, no securities commission or similar regulatory authority in Canada has reviewed or in any way passed upon this press release or the merits of any of the securities described herein and any representation to the contrary is an offense.
Participants in the Solicitation
NewCo, Crane Harbor, Xanadu and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees may, under SEC rules, be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Crane Harbor’s shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of Crane Harbor’s shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction will be set forth in proxy statement/prospectus when it is filed by NewCo with the SEC. You can find more information about Crane Harbor’s directors and executive officers in Crane Harbor’s final prospectus related to its initial public offering filed with the SEC on April 25, 2025 and in the subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed by Crane Harbor with the SEC. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests will be included in the proxy statement/prospectus when it becomes available. Shareholders, potential investors and other interested persons should read the proxy statement/prospectus carefully when it becomes available before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of these documents from the sources described above.
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FAQ
What did Xanadu announce on Dec 19, 2025 about photodynamic cancer therapy and CHAC?
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