Race for a Remedy: The Science and Scientists behind the Next Life-Saving Cancer Medicine

by Makhdum Ahmed, James P. Allison (foreword)

How does a mere molecule—a chemical structure—become a drug? And, how do we know that it works safely? In a one-trillion-dollar pharmaceutical industry with high-stakes profits and perils, battles are raging every day to successfully bring a molecule to its an FDA-approved medicine. In Race for a Remedy, internationally renowned expert in cancer treatment and drug development Makhdum Ahmed, MD, takes readers behind the scenes of the fascinating and intense world of cancer drug development.

Whether it’s a small molecule, a versatile monoclonal antibody, or the fancy, poster child of cutting-edge cell therapy, modern drugs are built upon a centuries-old solid foundation set by the pioneers of medicine and immunology. This revealing book also explores the struggles for current-day pharmaceutical and biotech industries to overtake competitors and make sure their molecule reaches the finish line first. For leading cancer drug developers, that means achieving the ultimate creating the next live-saving cancer medicine.

Readers will also find answers to common questions on drugs, such

How long does it usually take for a drug to come to market?When can we expect a cure for cancers like leukemia and lymphoma?Are experimental medicines unsafe?Given my illness (or that of my loved one), should I join a clinical trial and what are the odds it will help?A leading medical expert on the frontlines of drug creation, Dr. Ahmed offers basic pharmacological insights, revolutionary science, and the gripping arc of new drug development. Race for a Remedy will change the way readers think about medicine.

Genres: Audiobook

231 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2024

Reviews

[Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley and Globe Pequot | Prometheus for this ARC for review. This was a fascinating book about how immunotherapy drugs and drug trials happen. It was fun to hear about the medications I used to give as an infusion nurse when they were in their conception and now, these are mainstay drugs for so many treatments and therapies. Immunotherapy and CAR-T cell therapy is the way of the future and I'm so happy for it as chemotherapy has so many side effects for patients and it is not patient and cancer specific enough.

[Aster Greenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very educational & interesting! I liked the way it went back and forth between recent events and the past--it made it very clear what previous scientific work led to the advances we're seeing now

[Mostu Miah · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Race for a Remedy, Dr. Makhdum Ahmed speaks on pivotal moments and figures in the trajectory of medical research and cancer treatment. From the completion of human genome sequencing to the development of breakthrough drugs like Ibrutinib and the monoclonal antibody mAb85, Dr. Ahmed digs deep into the difficulties and successes in drug development and clinical trials. These span historical landmarks such as Jenner's smallpox vaccine and Milstein's hybridoma technology to contemporary advancements like CAR-T therapy. By sharing stories of resilience in global crises like World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Ahmed demonstrates the perseverance and collaboration integral to scientific progress. In discussing cancer treatment and the potential of precision medicine, he instills optimism for ongoing advancements in the field, driven by technology and relentless research efforts.

Race for a Remedy is as science-heavy as one would expect and hope for, but Dr. Makhdum Ahmed impressed me with his ability to pack so much information into this resource. Better still, it's accessible to readers with an interest but perhaps limited understanding, yet still comprehensive enough for those with a greater background in research, testing, and pharmacology without being redundant. I most enjoyed where Dr. Ahmed discusses the innovative advancements in medical technology, and, for me, specifically in cancer detection and monitoring, such as liquid biopsy and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) tracking. It's interesting to see where advancements offer new avenues for early detection, monitoring, and personalized treatment of cancer. The best parts are naturally where patient success stories and positive treatment outcomes are shared. As someone born and raised in Karachi, Dr. Ahmed's look at Saad Usmani's accounts of patients achieving complete remission following Daratumumab treatment serves as wonderful testimonials of the efficacy and potential of novel therapeutic approaches.

Overall, this is a well-written, exhaustively researched, and accessible book that has so much to offer. Very highly recommended.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Race for a Remedy is an interesting review of different drug development approaches for the treatment of cancer. Dr. Ahmed is a researcher from MD Anderson Cancer center who also spends time working in pharma-industry. He describes three different types of cancer therapy: small molecule treatment, monoclonal antibody treatment and T-cell treatment. The benefit of these different types of treatment is that they are much more specific than traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy. I really enjoyed learning about this novel topic.

As a reader, I struggled to get through the book at times. Dr. Ahmed includes interesting historical interludes to the keep the pace of the book moving. However, sometimes the science was very very dense.

Thank you to NetGalley and Globe Pequot for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[William A Minner · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a medical layman with a fascination for the complexity of the immune system and the kinks that can impair its operation, I found the “Race for a Remedy” book to be very interesting and educational exercise. Dr. Ahmed provides a window for us outsiders to look through to better understand the development of treatments for blood cancer - modern targeted therapy drugs, immunotherapy drugs and T-cells, and stem cell implants. The book added to my understanding that came from the publications and presentations by groups such as the Leukemia Lymphoma Society and CLL Society. It was also satisfying to read the stories about leukemia patients, with a mix of challenges and successes! Finally, I appreciated that Dr. Ahmed was not shy about introducing and using modern cancer nomenclature - helping with the education of us laymen.

[SAROSH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dive into the fascinating world of cancer drug development with "Race for a Remedy." This book offers an exciting behind-the-scenes look at the creation of cutting-edge cancer therapies. Dr. Ahmed, with his unique perspective as an academic physician scientist and drug development executive, explains how new drug treatments aim to replace dreaded chemotherapy. My favorite part was the origin and backstory of each of the new modalities discussed in the book.

It's both educational and inspiring to read the stories showcasing the dedication of scientists and physicians in the battle against cancer. A must-read for anyone interested in the cancer revolution and the dynamic landscape of drug development.

[Susan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written review of cancer therapy development with real examples of brave patients who participate in clinical trials and/or newer therapies for the benefit of all. There was enough technicalities for the scientifically and medically minded reader while being easily understood by more casual readers. Highly recommend, especially to those interested in blood cancers.

[Lisa Zemack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by a scientist-physician-drug researcher, one would not expect such an exciting, humbling, down-to-earth, clear, and easy read. This is the story of deep exploration and dedication to the world of cancer research and cancer patients, intertwined with a triumphant personal journey. Family members of cancer patients crave such information. It is personal to me too to think that perhaps my amazing sister, who succumbed to cancer at age 38, would still be here. A must-read!