Drug Truths (eBook)

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.

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 ... 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