Reading the right books about the biotech industry can be more valuable than any company training course, hands-on experience, or leadership seminar. Why? Because books provide context that is crucial for understanding the WHY behind the WHAT in bioprocessing. You may become highly proficient at chromatography, bioreactors, or quality control without ever reading a page of the books presented below. However, without reading these books, you will struggle to see how everything fits together. Understanding this bigger picture is essential for becoming a bioprocessing great.
Without further ado, we present the below list to you in recommended reading order:
1: Genentech: The Beginnings of Biotech
Summary:
Genentech is known as the first biotech company, revolutionizing the use of cells as factories. The Beginnings of Biotech provides an exciting account of the company’s inception and early years. With emphasis on the technology contributions of Genentech, this book is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of biotechnology.
What you will learn:
You will delve into the struggles and triumphs of the early pioneers in biotech. This book provides a glimpse into the origins of the industry. It highlights the ingenuity and resourcefulness of these scientists who were at the forefront of a new era in medicine. From the synthesis of DNA to the creation of life-saving drugs, you will gain a deeper understanding of the impact of biotech on human health. And, you will learn how science and business combined forces to bring about the biotech industry we know today.
2: Her-2: The Making of Herceptin, a Revolutionary Treatment for Breast Cancer
Summary:
This is another book about Genentech. However, this one focuses on the development of one of the first monoclonal antibodies used to fight breast cancer.
What you will learn:
This book provides a more recent history of the industry through the lens of biotech’s fight against breast cancer. In the 1990’s, the main methods to treat breast cancer were through radical mastectomy and chemotherapy. Many forms of breast cancer, particularly the aggressive types that impact young women, were basically untreatable. Death sentence. That is, until scientists at universities and industry developed a targeted therapy that specifically treated a certain type of breast cancer. The monoclonal antibody product bound to overexpressed HER2 receptors, tagging the cancerous cells which signaled the immune system to destroy them. You will get an in-depth understanding of the complex process of drug development, from discovery to FDA approval, and how it has evolved over time to meet the needs of patients. This is a must-read.
3: A Crack In Creation: Gene Editing and the Unthinkable Power to Control Evolution
Summary:
This book was written by one of the founders of CRISPR technology. It covers the advances made in the field since the human genome was first recorded in the early 2000s. With CRISPR and related technologies, it’s now possible to precisely edit genetic code. This opens up a whole new world of possibilities for treating diseases and developing new therapies. If you want to stay on the cutting edge of biotech, this book is an essential addition to your reading list.
What you will learn:
While the two previous books provide a historical perspective, this book takes a look at the future. The ability to manipulate genes raises important questions about what should and should not be done, both in terms of medical treatments and potential human enhancements. Designer babies? Good idea or bad? This book will give you an in-depth overview of the technology, and then challenge you to consider the possibilities and consequences of this groundbreaking technology.
4: From Breakthrough to Blockbuster: The Business of Biotechnology
Summary:
While the above novels offer interesting, sometimes thrilling anecdotes about the industry, this book is a thoroughly researched overview of the industry, closer to a textbook than a novel.
What you will learn:
This book covers all the essential aspects of the industry, from clinical trials to funding. It’s a must-read for those interested in starting their own biotech company or advancing to senior management positions. Lots of data and graphs and tables. With many references, it is a valuable resource for diving deeper into specific topics. The author provides an honest assessment of the industry and makes informed predictions for the future.
5: The Billion Dollar Molecule: One Company’s Quest for the Perfect Drug
Summary:
Billion Dollar Molecule takes you inside the world of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, a biotech company on a mission to create and market breakthrough drugs. This book reads like a page-turning drama, complete with high-stakes challenges, intense competition, and unexpected twists and turns. You will get an insider’s view of the company’s ups and downs, from the early days of scientific discovery to the race to bring a billion-dollar drug to market.
What you will learn:
This book provides an anecdotal account of the highs and lows of drug development and the founding of a biotech company. After reading this novel you will understand more of how the business side of biotech works, all the way through an IPO on Wall Street. I would definitely recommend reading From Breakthrough to Blockbuster first, so that you have some idea of how the business side of biotech works.
6: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks: Skloot, Rebecca: Amazon.com: Books
Summary:
I saved this for last because it is kinda not really a book about biotech. In fact the story begins many years before the biotech industry began. However, it is about the first immortal line of cells called HeLa cells. Henrietta Lacks is an incredible story that many, many people in the biotech industry have read, which is why it made the list.
What you will learn:
This book sheds light on the medical exploitation of African Americans, particularly the story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cancer cells were taken without her knowledge or consent and used for scientific research. The book explores the ethical implications of using human tissue for research without informed consent and the ways in which the Lacks family has been affected by this legacy. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a powerful read that considers the intersections of race, science, and ethics. You will learn quite a bit about science too, and how HeLa cells started an entire industry due to their immortal properties.
In Conclusion
Although the books mentioned in this article may not make you an expert in bioprocessing, they will provide you with the context to comprehend why the industry operates as it does and how your actions contribute to human health. Often people simply clock in. Do their work. Clock out. And never think about their impact or how they can improve themselves. Thus, gaining the ability to contextualize things in the industry can pay off massively.
Additionally, in an interview or networking setting, understanding where your conversational partner is coming from and offering your perspective is critical. By reading these books, you can share a common history and language to enable more meaningful conversations with others.
Bonus:
Want the ultimate head-start in the industry? Check out my collection of courses below: