‘This book is a must read for anyone interested in learning how new therapeutics are created and should also appeal to the curious reader fascinated by innovation, popular science, biology and medicine.’ —Siddhartha Mukherjee, author of the Pulitzer Prize winner The Emperor of All Maladies

'It is a miracle that any drug ever gets approved. Pao uncovers years of research, flashes of insight and gruelling clinical trials to explain how some drugs succeed against all odds. This celebration of human ingenuity shines a light on the relentless resilience behind medical breakthroughs that have transformed patients’ lives. Utterly compelling.' —Dame Kate Bingham, former chair of UK Vaccine Taskforce and author of The Long Shot

'William Pao’s book vividly brings to life the people involved in medical research and development to find new ways to advance clinical outcomes for patients. The perseverance; intuition; iterations required to engineer that "sweet spot" are narrated in a very readable way. Over my decades in Life Sciences I have seen with each new approach in medicine that it is a miracle that it reaches licensure. As John Davey, the US philosopher, said last century, "Every great advance in Science has issued from a new audacity of imagination". Our thanks should go to the wide variety of skilled people and to patients who join us in exploring better outcomes for the diseases we face' —William 'Bill' Burns, Former CEO of Roche Pharma

'An essential read for anyone interested in how basic science is translated for human benefit. Breakthrough: The Quest for Life-Changing Medicines delves into the fascinating and often surprising journey of drug discovery, unraveling the fascinating biology and convoluted research paths that lead to the development of new game-changing therapies. Authored by an acclaimed doctor, cancer scientist and drug developer; this book tells the captivating stories that bring the world of biomedical research and drug discovery to life.' —Dr Norman E. Sharpless, Former Director of the National Cancer Institute and Former Acting Commissioner of the FDA

'In this book you will look over the shoulder of unsung heroes as they labour at minute, molecular scales and against all odds to create medicines with outsized impact on human suffering. Miracles in the making. You will never again take for granted that seemingly simple little white tablet you take (or will inevitably take) each morning. Awe-inspiring.' —Michael N. Hall, Professor at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, Switzerland, and winner of the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research

'A truly enlightening journey through many of the most important medical advances of the last few decades. The science underlying the discoveries blends seamlessly with personal insights into the researchers, physicians and patients who brought the work to life. All written in a style that will engage the curious lay person to those of us who were fortunate to witness some of these miracles firsthand.' —Howard A. 'Skip' Burris III, MD
President, Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) and Past President, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)