The Antidote: Inside the New World of Pharma

Werth explores the history of Vertex, a pharmaceutical company founded in the 1980s, in order to understand today’s world of Big Pharma, with its impressive breakthroughs, cutting-edge technology, heavy regulation, and questionable practices. Though it’s filled with science, technical terms, and obtuse business practices, the audio edition makes for an interesting and compelling listen, thanks to the efforts of narrator Pratt. He skillfully modulates emphasis and timing, slowing down to highlight important passages of information, while moving at a quicker clip when appropriate. More importantly, Pratt has a conversational tone that helps listeners engage with the topic, regardless of how much prior knowledge they have of it. A Simon & Schuster hardcover. (Feb.)