In 'The Antidote', Barry Werth unveils the thrilling true story behind a revolutionary cancer drug and the unconventional journey that led to its creation. With a cast of relentless scientists, ambitious entrepreneurs, and the fierce human spirit fighting against time, the narrative exposes the battle between innovation and regulation in the pharmaceutical industry. As hopes rise and fall, the stakes escalate, revealing the profound consequences of medical advancements on real lives. This gripping tale not only highlights the complexities of drug development but also challenges our understanding of survival and ethics in healthcare. Prepare to be captivated by a world where each decision could mean life or death.
By Barry Werth
Published: 2014
""In the journey of life, it’s not just the destination that matters, but the lessons we learn along the way and the transformations we undergo.""
In 1989, the charismatic Joshua Boger left Merck, then America's most admired business, to found a drug company that would challenge industry giants and transform health care. Journalist Barry Werth described the company's tumultuous early days during the AIDS crisis in The Billion-Dollar Molecule, a celebrated classic of science and business journalism. Now he returns to tell the story of Vertex's bold endurance and eventual success. The pharmaceutical business is America's toughest and one of its most profitable. It's riskier and more rigorous at just about every stage than any other business, from the towering biological uncertainties inherent in its mission to treat disease; to the 30-to-1 failure rate in bringing out a successful medicine; to the multibillion-dollar cost of ramping up a successful product; to operating in the world's most regulated industry, matched only by nuclear power. Werth captures the full scope of Vertex's 25-year drive to deliver breakthrough medicines.--From publisher description.
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“"In the journey of life, it’s not just the destination that matters, but the lessons we learn along the way and the transformations we undergo."”
The Antidote
By Barry Werth
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Barry Werth is an acclaimed American author and journalist known for his insightful and meticulously researched narratives. He is best recognized for his notable works, including 'Faithful Servants,' a compelling exploration of the lives of those intertwined with the famed Berkshire Hathaway company, and 'The New York Times: How It Works,' which delves into the inner workings of one of the most influential newspapers in the world. Werth's writing style is characterized by its clarity and depth, blending thorough investigative journalism with compelling storytelling that brings historical and contemporary figures to life.
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