Instant Genius Inside the hunt for life-changing medicines
Sep 28, 2025
Dr. William Pao, an oncologist and drug researcher, dives into the intricate journey of drug development in his insightful discussion. He reveals the astonishingly low approval rates of new drugs and explains the collaborative nature of research that spans decades. Pao underscores the significance of basic science in breakthroughs and shares the fascinating story of paracetamol's accidental discovery. He also discusses the challenges of clinical trials and the variability in patient responses, offering a glimpse into future advancements in medicine.
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Drug Approval Is Exceptionally Rare
- Only about 1,800 entirely new molecular entities have ever been approved, a surprisingly small number given human history.
- Drug approvals are rare outcomes of decades-long, failure-prone work across many people.
Discovery Is A Relay Over Decades
- Drug discovery requires hundreds to thousands of people working across decades, not lone geniuses.
- Progress often loops back and forth rather than following a neat linear path.
Three Circles Define Drug Feasibility
- Effective drugs sit at the intersection of biological understanding, clinical insight, and technological capability.
- A target must be biologically important, clinically relevant, and technically druggable and safe.
