“For Blood and Money” Reading Group with Norman Paradis at Putney Library
Mondays at 6:30pm
April 1st –June 17th at Putney Public Library
Toward the beginning of the 21st century, a small biopharmaceutical startup in California fortuitously found itself in possession of a breakthrough drug for treatment of cancer and autoimmune disease. The events that follow were a once in a generation story of medical innovation.
Despite its provocative title, “For Blood and Money” offers an understated narrative of this landmark discovery. The book’s nuanced prose doesn’t detract from the remarkable tale of innovation, ambition, and the dynamic figures behind this pivotal breakthrough. This is the story of a new group of drugs that has impacted thousands of lives.
Our reading group will meet weekly, delving into the book chapter by chapter. Participants will be encouraged to lead discussions on specific chapters, bringing their unique perspectives, questions, and insights. We will endeavor to make the discussion interesting and understandable even to those with no background in the biopharmaceutical and medical fields.
Occasionally we will read and discuss background materials to better understand the book.
Consider joining us in exploring this extraordinary narrative, where medical science runs into the realities of ambition and money. You should end up with significant insights in areas such as medical science, oncology, pharmacotherapy, financial markets, the FDA, Wall Street and the sheer luck and determination required to transition a revolutionary drug from the laboratory to patient care.
This reading group is being organized by Norman Paradis, who is an Emeritus Professor of Emergency Medicine at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. Dr. Paradis currently works for CPR Therapeutics Inc., a medical device startup developing innovative treatments for cardiac arrest.
Putney Public Library cardholders can reserve a copy of the book by emailing request@putneylibrary.org . This event is free and open to the public.