Meet the doctors, scientists and patients fighting the world’s worst diseases.

‘A must read.’ Siddhartha Mukherjee, bestselling author of The Emperor of All Maladies

What does it take to create a new medicine? The journey from laboratory to your local pharmacy rarely goes smoothly. Drug development requires radical leaps of imagination, the expertise of many… and a generous dose of luck. Unsurprisingly, ‘eureka’ moments are rare – but when they happen, they change lives.

Tracing the discovery of eight revolutionary drugs, Dr. William Pao highlights the innovative core of biomedical research and celebrates the tireless efforts of scientists, doctors, patients, and families fighting for better medical care. For each of these medicines, whether a potentially life-saving new treatment for cancer or something as ordinary as paracetamol, there are a cast of characters and countless stories. Documenting these fascinating journeys, Breakthrough offers a privileged, behind-the-scenes look at the medicines that improve – and often save – our lives.

Foreword by Nobel Prize Winner Harold Varmus

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‘Utterly compelling.’ Dame Kate Bingham, author of The Long Shot

‘A celebration of medical innovation.’ Guardian

‘Captivating… An essential read.’ Art Levinson, former CEO of Genentech

Pages: 352, Year of Publication: 2003, Dimensions: 12.9x12.9cm