Drug Truths

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.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ix

INTRODUCTION xi

PART I A MATTER OF THE HEART 1

CHAPTER 1 CHOLESTEROL DRUGS ARE UNNECESSARY 3

CHAPTER 2 INDUSTRY IS MORE INTERESTED IN "ME-TOO" DRUGS THAN IN INNOVATION 13

CHAPTER 3 IT TAKES INDUSTRY TOO LONG TO DISCOVER NEW DRUGS 23

PART II THE ROLE OF PHARMACEUTICAL R&D IN HEALTH CARE 39

CHAPTER 4 DRUGS ARE DISCOVERED BY ACADEMIA 41

CHAPTER 5 NEW MEDICINES ADD COSTS BUT LITTLE BENEFIT 50

CHAPTER 6 BIG PHARMA HAS FAILED AND SHOULD LEARN FROM BIOTECH SUCCESS 59

PART III THE PROFIT MOTIVE 69

CHAPTER 7 THE INDUSTRY INVENTS DISEASES 71

CHAPTER 8 NEW DRUGS ARE LESS SAFE THAN TRADITIONAL MEDICINES 79

CHAPTER 9 INDUSTRY SPENDS MORE ON ADVERTISING THAN ON R&D 91

CHAPTER 10 INDUSTRY DOES NOT CARE ABOUT DISEASES OF THE DEVELOPING WORLD 100

PART IV THE FUTURE 109

CHAPTER 11 BIG PHARMA'S DAY HAS PASSED 111

CHAPTER 12 FINAL REFLECTIONS 122

REFERENCES 124

INDEX 133

?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)

John L. LaMattina, PhD, retired as president of Pfizer Global Research and Development in 2007 where he managed more than 13,000 scientists and support professionals in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Dr. LaMattina has received numerous awards including an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of New Hampshire. An insider's perspective on the pharmaceutical industry

It's easy to hate Big Pharma. After all, they charge a lot of money for life-saving drugs. You could argue that Big Pharma's incentive to generate income is antithetical to the needs of society. But, if you set costs aside, no reasonable person could argue against the industry's accomplishments. The pharmaceutical industry has cured many infectious diseases and some cancers, delayed the onset of heart disease, enabled AIDS patients to live long and productive lives, controlled the progression of arthritis, and reduced pain.

Any thoughtful discussion on the pharmaceutical industry must be guided by the facts. Author John LaMattina, a thirty-year veteran and former president of Pfizer Global Research and Development, takes you through the realities and the myths surrounding the pharmaceutical industry, offering concrete illustrative examples. Rather than innuendo, he offers facts, answering your questions about the process and costs of pharmaceutical R&D in a compelling narrative focused on the discovery and development of new medicines.

Divided into four parts, this book dispels common misconceptions, helping you arrive at your own informed conclusions:

• Part One, A Matter of the Heart

• Part Two, The Role of Pharmaceutical R&D in Healthcare

• Part Three, The Profit Motive

• Part Four, The Future

With its emphasis on fact, John LaMattina's book is indispensable for anyone interested in understanding, advocating, or setting pharmaceutical policy, including general consumers, pharmaceutical executives, regulators, pharmaceutical researchers, and students.

"This is an important and timely book."
—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."
—Professor E.J. Corey, Nobel Laureate, Harvard University

"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