Breakthrough - by Pao

Book Synopsis

Meet the doctors, scientists, patients and campaigners tackling the world's worst diseases

We often hear about the dark side of the pharmaceutical industry - from extortionate pricing to the opioid epidemic. But there's another story to be told.

Through the story of eight revolutionary treatments, Dr William Pao cuts to the innovative heart of medical science and celebrates the tireless work of those fighting for better care. Behind each of these medicines - whether a potentially life-saving new treatment for cancer, or something as commonplace as paracetamol - there stands a cast of characters and a wealth of stories.

The trajectory from the laboratory to the local chemist is rarely a straight line. Eureka moments are few are far between. Drug hunting demands leaps of imagination and lateral thinking, the accumulation of the knowledge and expertise of many, and - nearly always - a hefty dollop of luck.

Breakthrough documents these journeys and grants a privileged look at the stories behind the medicines that improve - and very often save - our lives.

Review Quotes

'Breakthrough reads like a mystery novel. It draws the reader in, first by describing the scientific discovery that provides key insight into a disease and then by weaving a tapestry of those who overcame almost unimaginable challenges to design and test the medicines we have today that cure, prevent, or vastly improve outcomes for those stricken with grievous illnesses... inspirational; a must read for anyone interested in or associated with drug discovery and development.' --Mace Rothenberg MD, President and executive director of Museum of Medicine and Biomedical discovery

'A truly enlightening journey through many of the most important medical advances of the last few decades. The science underlying the discoveries blends seamlessly with personal insights into the researchers, physicians and patients who brought the work to life. All written in a style that will engage the curious lay person to those of us who were fortunate to witness some of these miracles firsthand.' --Howard A. 'Skip' Burris III, MD; President, Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) and Past President, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)

'An essential read for anyone interested in how basic science is translated for human benefit. Breakthrough: The Quest for Life-Changing Medicines delves into the fascinating and often surprising journey of drug discovery, unraveling the fascinating biology and convoluted research paths that lead to the development of new game-changing therapies. Authored by an acclaimed doctor, cancer scientist and drug developer; this book tells the captivating stories that bring the world of biomedical research and drug discovery to life.' --Dr Norman E. Sharpless, Former Director of the National Cancer Institute and Former Acting Commissioner of the FDA

'This book is a must read for anyone interested in learning how new therapeutics are created and should also appeal to the curious reader fascinated by innovation, popular science, biology and medicine.' --Siddhartha Mukherjee, author of the Pulitzer Prize winner The Emperor of All Maladies

'William Pao's book vividly brings to life the people involved in medical research and development to find new ways to advance clinical outcomes for patients. The perseverance; intuition; iterations required to engineer that "sweet spot" are narrated in a very readable way. Over my decades in Life Sciences I have seen with each new approach in medicine that it is a miracle that it reaches licensure. As John Davey, the US philosopher, said last century, "Every great advance in Science has issued from a new audacity of imagination". Our thanks should go to the wide variety of skilled people and to patients who join us in exploring better outcomes for the diseases we face' --William 'Bill' Burns, Former CEO of Roche Pharma

'A remarkable and insightful exploration of drug discovery and development from a pioneering expert... Through captivating case studies of both successful and failed drug candidates, the book vividly brings the process to life, always underscoring the urgency of this essential work. An essential read for anyone interested in how new medicines reach the market. Illuminating and inspiring in equal measure.' --Art Levinson, Former CEO and Chairman, Genentech, and Co-Founder and CEO, Calico Life Sciences

'Dr William Pao has been a pivotal force in the field of cancer research for decades, channelling the tragedy of his father's untimely death from cancer into a passion for scientific discovery. In Breakthrough, Dr Pao uses eight interesting vignettes to demonstrate that the process of discovery is complex, but that it exemplifies human ingenuity and the extraordinary power of team science.' --Margaret Foti, PhD, MD, CEO of American Association for Cancer Research

'In this book you will look over the shoulder of unsung heroes as they labour at minute, molecular scales and against all odds to create medicines with outsized impact on human suffering. Miracles in the making. You will never again take for granted that seemingly simple little white tablet you take (or will inevitably take) each morning. Awe-inspiring.' --Michael N. Hall, Professor at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, Switzerland, and winner of the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research

'It is a miracle that any drug ever gets approved. Pao uncovers years of research, flashes of insight and gruelling clinical trials to explain how some drugs succeed against all odds. This celebration of human ingenuity shines a light on the relentless resilience behind medical breakthroughs that have transformed patients' lives. Utterly compelling.' --Dame Kate Bingham, former chair of UK Vaccine Taskforce and author of The Long Shot

'Pao traces seminal innovations from idea through challenge, setback, and risk, harnessing determination and luck to bring them to fruition. Breakthrough shares the excitement of bold discovery that captivates scientific researchers - motivated by the unyielding quest to save lives.' --Martha Liggett, Executive Director, American Society of Haematology

'William Pao presents eight stories of biomedical achievement in a compelling, captivating, and remarkably complete fashion. These stories - and Pao's own insights as both an accomplished physician-scientist and successful drug developer - capture the exhilarating process of discovery and the many individuals and teams that collectively contribute to the launching of successful medicines. Breakthrough: The Quest for Life-Changing Medicines is not just about chronicling a series of success stories; it is also about providing hope for much more of the same in the decades ahead.' --Tyler Jacks, Founding Director, Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research; President, Break Though Cancer

About the Author

William Pao is a physician-scientist whose career has spanned academia and industry. He was previously Chief Development Officer for Pfizer, and prior to that, Head of the Roche Pharma Research & Early Development unit, where he oversaw the discovery and early development of a portfolio of new molecular entities to treat a range of diseases, from cancer to rare blood disorders.