Drug Truths: Dispelling the Myths About Pharma R & D [Paperback]

John L. LaMattina (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0470393181 | ISBN-13: 978-0470393185 | Publication Date: November 10, 2008 | Edition: 1

This book answers the questions about the process and costs of pharmaceutical R & D in a compelling narrative focused on the discovery and development of important new medicines. It gives an insider's account of the pharmaceutical industry drug discovery process, the very real costs of misperceptions about the industry, the high stakes--both economic and scientific--of developing drugs, the triumphs that come when new compounds reach the market and save lives, and the despair that follows when new compounds fail. In the book, John LaMattina, former president of Pfizer Global Research and Development, weaves themes critical to a vital drug discovery environment in the context. This is a story that Dr. LaMattina is uniquely qualified to tell.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book, a concise and reasonably priced text, is a must-read for anyone working in the pharmaceutical industry. However, it is not just written for scientist, anyone interested in learning more about the big issues facing pharmaceutical research and development and global healthcare today should find this book thought-provoking." (Pharmaceutical Journal, September 2009)

"Drug Truths: Dispelling the Myths About Pharma R & D is an generally persuasive argument for the soul of the pharmaceutical industry." (Journal of Clinical Research Best Practices, December 2009)

"I would recommend this book." (Chemistry World, June 2009)

"LaMattina stands out from many of the other observers of the industry." (Nature Chemistry, May 2009)

"The book provides unique insights into how big pharma manages its R&D. It also serves as a reminder of the useful role the drug industry play in keeping us healthy." (Chemical & Engineering News, April 20, 2009)

"The book offers an insider's account of the reality of the drug discovery process, revealing it to be more risky, complicated and expensive than many critics suggest. Chapter by chapter, LaMattina addresses the common misconceptions about the pharmaceutical industry, setting the record straight." (Kansas City InfoZine, February 2009)

"Along with a careful dissection of each false claim and a presentation of the overwhelming evidence that disproves it, LaMattina offers fascinating explanations of the way drug development and government approval function, relying not on clever rhetoric, but on scientific fact and reliable evidence to support his claims; all the while remaining realistic about the industry's limitations." (Medical News Today, February 2009)

"It's obvious from reading his book that LaMattina believes in his industry, in Big Pharma, and in the research and development that has led to drugs that have cured infectious diseases, delayed encroaching heart disease, controlled arthritis for many millions reduced pain and suffering." (TheDay.com, January 25, 2009)

Review

"John L. LaMattina . . . the recently retired head of Pfizer's global research and development . . . by using well illustrated examples, takes us through the realities and myths about many of the issues surrounding the pharmaceutical industry. Rather than innuendo, he offers data. This is an important and timely book . . . In the end this book is about science where data rules . . . [and] should become indispensable to those who wish to either understand or set policy."
--Dr. Richard A. Lerner, President of The Scripps Research Institute

"Drug Truths is an authoritative, clear and accessible exposition of the realities of drug discovery and development. It is factual and balanced, although LaMattina does not shy away from criticizing some of the misguided views that have appeared in print. The main points are well documented and logically presented. The book is a splendid addition to the contemporary health care literature."
--E. J. Corey, Harvard University

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 156 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (November 10, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470393181
• ISBN-13: 978-0470393185
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 4.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #411,774 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book ... A Life, April 13, 2009

By 

Richard Haffey (Groton, CT) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Drug Truths: Dispelling the Myths About Pharma R & D (Paperback)

"I finished Drug Truths this evening. I truly enjoyed it. Associates and colleagues in the industry reading Drug Truths will be thrilled to hear Dr. LaMattina's informed optimism. They will undoubtedly rejoice in the pride of the mission to which he continues to dedicate his working life in their ranks and communicates so patently unapologetically in these pages. Dr. LaMattina's gift is not a only this book but a life spent in the service of his fellow men and women who have diseases and those who strive to eradicate and minimize human discomfort and suffering."

Richard Haffey
Author / Environmentalist

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Concise, Thoughtful, Onpoint, July 26, 2009

By 

Eric "caplane" (Bethesda, Moldova, Republic of) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Drug Truths: Dispelling the Myths About Pharma R & D (Paperback)

I had the privilege of working at Pfizer when Dr. LaMattina was in charge of R&D. They were among the most satisfying years of my professional life. This is terrific contribution from a dedicated and passionate scientist who knows what he is talking about and can talk about it in a way that matters. In a world in which it has become all to easy to find villians in every corporate corner of the globe, Dr. LaMattina reminds us that science and business can accomplish great things for humanity.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The truth about prescription drugs, February 28, 2009

By 

R. Wester - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Drug Truths: Dispelling the Myths About Pharma R & D (Paperback)

Here's the real truth about prescription drugs - finally! The problems we face today can only be solved when everyone knows the facts. Unfortunately when it comes to prescription drugs, we've only had politicized speeches and sensationalized books portraying an evil industry bent on higher profit at the expense of us, the unknowing patients. As a long time drug researcher myself I can say that this book provides exactly what we need - an authoritative description of the complete drug discovery process. With examples of real life drug research, the author effectively debunks the supposed `facts' we have been spoon fed over and over again and gives us the true answers to all the questions we should be asking - who really discovers drugs, why drug research is so expensive, why some experimental drugs can fail after costing the company a billion dollars or more, why the drug industry is so important to current and future healthcare, and many more. With the new policies on health care that Obama is proposing, the timing couldn't be better. This book is a must-read for anyone who is serious about prescription drug policy, and should be required reading for everyone in Washington.