Science Lessons: What the Business of Biotech Taught Me About Management

Widely regarded as the most innovative, successful biotech firm ever, Amgen led its industry in revenue and sales growth in 2007. Top magazines including Fortune and Industry Week have repeatedly named it one of America's best companies to work for.

In Science Lessons, Gordon Binder—CEO and chairman during 1988-2000—describes Amgen's climb to success. Revealing the highs and lows it experienced in the race to develop blockbuster drugs, he takes readers from the time Amgen had just three months of capital in the bank and no viable products in the pipeline to its spectacular success. The turning point? The 1989 launch of Epogen, which dramatically helped kidney dialysis patients suffering from debilitating anemia. Other landmark drugs, including Neupogen, would follow.

Through engaging anecdotes and cogent insights, Binder weaves a fascinating tale while offering his unique brand of practical management advice. Using the principals of the scientific method, he shares his recommendations for tackling pressing business challenges—such as managing creative employees, navigating the IPO process, and protecting intellectual property.

This colorful first-person account showcases the visionary science and daring business strategy that made Amgen great—offering valuable lessons for all companies.

Gordon Binder is the managing director of Coastview Capital LLC, a venture-capital firm he founded in 2001. From 1982 through 2000, he served as Chief Financial Officer, then Chief Executive Officer, and finally Chairman of Amgen. Forbes magazine counted him among "biotech's most respected business minds." Philip Bashe has authored or co-authored books on a wide variety of genres, including health, sports, biography, and popular culture.