Multinational Drug Companies: Issues in Drug Discovery and Development

Abstract

All I really need to know I learned in<i>Multinational Drug Companies:</i> Share information. Treat people fairly and they will produce for you. Never threaten—reason with people. Eschew hype. Stealing research data is a no-no. Promote people who are capable even if you don't like them. Avoid sexy drugs with pedestrian effects. Get rid of constipated ideas. Warm feelings and cold reason are good for you. Balance work effort with resources. Sometimes it is necessary to sleep on an idea. Watch for predictable trouble spots. Decisions should be reached by consensus. If you forget the past, you are bound to repeat it. The drugs work and it is usually later that we find out why. Drugs, like people, die—unexpectedly or in a lingering way. The intended audience includes executives in the drug industry; scientists and clinicians directly involved in drug discovery and development; and anybody who interacts with drugs and