Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #327880 in Books
• Published on: 2008-04-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 288 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781591398615
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
A fascinating insider's account of the birth of giant Amgen. --BusinessWeek, May 29, 2008

About the Author
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.

Customer Reviews

Science Lessons is a Mandatory Class
Gordon Binder's Science Lessons demonstrates the efficacy of creating an atmosphere of autonomy and employee ownership in the corporate structure. Mr Binders straightforward corporate philosophy shines in its simplicity and effectuality.
To the layman, 'science" conotates cold, calculating numbers, control groups and petri dishes. Mr Binder brings warmth and humanity to the scientific ascent at Amgen and leaves an indellible impression on the reader.
Science Lessons is a blueprint for the creation of a mission statement for anyone in business. The author has a unique and refreshing approach to management rooted in positive reinforcement and a reverence for autonomy. In a corporate age of maddening bureacracy, Science Lessons is a mandatory read for anyone who manages people.
A utilitarian would marvel at Mr Binder's results; but, to the contrary, its the means by which he accomplished things that astounds. Science Lessons is refreshing, invigorating and ulimately pragmatic for all readers. Five stars all the way!

Intriguing business-focused history of biotech giant Amgen
Former Amgen CEO Gordon Binder recounts his biotech company's history in clear, articulate prose. He and writer Philip Bashe make the science accessible. They explain technical terms in lay language and spell out the benefits and effects of each biotech advance. Amgen's story includes inspiring accounts of company-wide dedication and demonstrates the utility of the scientific method as a tactic for making business decisions. Yet, some of the book's teachings fall a bit flat. Perhaps driven by an urge to make Amgen's experiences broadly applicable, Binder draws lessons that are so broad in scope that they risk banality and could apply to any industry. That aside, getAbstract recommends this to anyone involved in a start-up and to those who are interested in how companies evolve, change, and succeed.

Really entertaining biotech insight
Interesting insight into the biotech industry. Gordon Binder knows his business and is maybe to good at selling his product!.
I like his enthusiasm about science and his trust in the capacity of scientist.