Breakthrough

A world-class scientist shares an expert insider view of how real medical science happens, and how teams of brilliant people tackled some of the worst diseases in the world.

We often hear about the dark side of the pharmaceutical industry – from extortionist pricing to the opioid epidemic. But there’s another story to be told. In Breakthrough, Dr William Pao cuts to the innovative heart of the industry and celebrates the genius and tireless work of scientists fighting for better treatments and medical care.

Through the story of eight revolutionary drugs, William Pao provides a compelling insider account of the wonders of medical science and life-changing biotechnology. Behind each of these medicines, whether revolutionary drug treatments for cancer, or something as commonplace as paracetamol, there stands a cast of characters and a wealth of stories as fascinating as they are inspiring.

The trajectory from drug discovery to a pill ending up on the shelf at the local chemist is rarely a straight line. Eureka moments are few are far between. It demands leaps of imagination and lateral thinking, the accumulation of the knowledge and expertise of many, and – nearly always – a hefty dollop of luck. Above all, it involves innovation.

Pao, so often in the hot seat throughout his storied career, documents these journeys, and grants us a privileged look at the stories behind the medicines that improve – and very often save – our lives.