Description
Book SynopsisAn expert''s view on solving the challenges confronting today''s pharmaceutical industry
Author John LaMattina, a thirty-year veteran of the pharmaceutical industry and former president of Pfizer''s Global R&D Division, is internationally recognized as an expert on the pharmaceutical industry. His first book, Drug Truths: Dispelling the Myths About Pharma R&D, was critically acclaimed for clearing up misconceptions about the pharmaceutical industry and providing an honest account of the contributions of pharmaceutical research and development to human health and well-being.
As he toured the country discussing Drug Truths, Dr. LaMattina regularly came across people who were filled with anger, accusing the pharmaceutical industry of making up diseases, hiding dangerous side effects, and more. This book was written in response to that experience, critically examining public perceptions and industry realities.
Starting with 4 Secrets that Drug C
Trade Review
"Oz should invite LaMattina back on his show. Since LaMattina treats all concerns respectfully, Oz needn’t worry about feeling devalued or distrusted." (Barron's, 5 May 2014)
“This is an honest book by an insider who believes in the basic good that the industry does.” (The Quarterly Review of Biology, 1 September 2013)
“Summing Up: Recommended. General audiences.” (Choice, 1 September 2013)
“For those more loosely associated or aspiring to work with in it, I particularly recommend this book as a balanced and informative read on the pressures the industry faces. It should also provide the basis for more reasoned argument and forewarn anyone else potentially ambushed by a TV show.” (ChemMedChem, 19 July 2013)
“That said, the suggestions made by LaMattina for improvements in productivity and transparency are timely, and the book makes interesting if unexciting reading.” (Chemistry & Industry, 1 June 2013)
“John LaMattina (ex-head of Pfizer's global R&D) has a new book out about the industry, called Devalued and Distrusted. He tells Pharmalot that he got the idea to write a sequel to his earlier book, Drug Truths, when he appeared on the "Dr. Oz" show.” (In The Pipeline, 1 December 2012)
Table of ContentsACKNOWLEDGMENTS ix
INTRODUCTION 1
CHAPTER 1 THE FOUR SECRETS THE DRUG COMPANIES DON’T WANT YOU TO KNOW 4
Drug Companies Underestimate Dangerous Side Effects 5
Drug Companies Control Much of the Information Your Doctor Gets 10
You’re Often Prescribed Drugs That You Don’t Need 14
Drugs Target the Symptoms, Not the Cause 19
Conclusion 22
References 23
CHAPTER 2 WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO R&D PRODUCTIVITY? 25
Impact of Mergers on R&D Productivity 26
Heightened FDA Requirements for NDAs 34
Higher Hurdles Set by Payers 41
Conclusion 46
References 48
CHAPTER 3 KEY THERAPEUTIC AREAS FOR IMPROVING HEALTH 49
Cancer 51
Diseases of the Brain 54
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) 60
Diabetes 63
Bacterial Infections 65
Conclusion 68
References 69
CHAPTER 4 IMPROVING R&D OUTPUT 71
The Views of Others 72
Pharma’s Blockbuster Mentality Needs to Change 72
Can “Predictive Innovation” Lead to Greater Success Rates? 76
Would Royalties Make Scientists More Productive? 78
Will Drug Repositioning Help Fill the R&D Pipeline? 80
Consultants Don’t Always Have the Facts 82
Personal Views 84
Discovery Must Focus on Productivity 85
Does Size Help or Hinder R&D Productivity? 87
To Outsource or Not to Outsource? That’s the Pharma R&D Question 89
Big Pharma Early Research Collaborations 92
Conclusion 93
References 95
CHAPTER 5 RESTORING PHARMA’S IMAGE 96
Illegal Detailing of Drugs 97
Pharmaceutical Companies Should Drop TV Ads 98
The Need for Greater Transparency 100
How Committed Is Big Pharma to Rare Diseases? 102
Pharmaceutical Companies and Philanthropy 104
Pharma Needs to Have Its Scientists Tell Their Stories 105
Conclusion 106
References 107
CHAPTER 6 FINAL THOUGHTS 109
References 114
INDEX 115
