Episode 11: William Pao on the hunt for life-changing drugs and a refreshing Hugo spritz

The Translational Mixer

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William Pao, CEO of Revelio Therapeutics, and former Chief Development Officer for Pfizer/Head of Roche pRED, sits down with JC and Andy to talk about his new book: 'Breakthrough: The quest for life-changing medicines'. By charting the ups and downs of eight different drugs and the challenges faced by those shepherding them through the complex drug approval process, the book provides a fascinating peek into the hidden world of pharmaceutical discovery and the tireless work of the dedicated R&D professionals who develop life-changing medicines.

INGREDIENTS:

6-8 mint leaves

Bar spoon of water

Ice cubes

1 Oz elderflower liqueur (e.g., St. Germain)

4 Oz Sparkling wine (e.g. Prosecco)

1-2 Oz Club soda.

DIRECTIONS:

Put 6-8 mint leaves and a bar spoon of water in a wine glass and muddle gently. Fill the glass with ice cubes and add the elderflower liqueur, sparkling wine and club soda. Mix gently. Slap a mint sprig to release the aromatic oils and add it as garnish. Enjoy!

The Mixer music “Pour Me Another” courtesy of Smooth Moves!

Chapters

1. Episode 11: William Pao on the hunt for life-changing drugs and a refreshing Hugo spritz (00:00:00)

2. An illustrious career (00:02:57)

3. Why a book on innovation in drug discovery? (00:05:55)

4. Eight innovative molecules (00:10:22)

5. The people behind these drugs (00:17:13)

6. Lego bridges and the Hudson river (00:20:51)

7. Technology fixation (00:24:19)

8. Innovation precedes understanding (00:28:48)

9. Clinical innovation (00:32:42)

10. Take aways (00:36:32)

11. Company cultures (00:43:11)

12. A Hugo spritz (00:45:19)

13. Parting thoughts (00:48:03)