The First Shots

Discover the gripping account of the global race for a lifesaving vaccine in The First Shots. Authored by renowned journalist Brendan Borrell, this comprehensive trade paperback offers an in-depth, riveting narrative about the heroic efforts of scientists and the fierce political landscape that shaped the response to a pandemic. Through firsthand reporting and exclusive access to crucial players in the vaccine development saga, Borrell unveils the chaotic interplay between groundbreaking science and high-stakes politics. Follow the journey of infectious disease expert Michael Callahan, who witnessed the catastrophic onset of 'disease X' in Wuhan, and Robert Kadlec, a key architect of Operation Warp Speed, as they navigated their complex roles amidst rivalries and ambition. With insight into Moderna’s dynamic CEO, Stephane Bancel, and the intense competition against industry giant Pfizer, this book is not just a medical history; it’s a real-life thriller filled with suspense and determination. Delivered in a striking trade paperback format from The Text Publishing Company and spanning 320 pages, The First Shots is essential reading for anyone interested in the intersection of science, medicine, and politics in these extraordinary times.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781922458247
Format: Trade paperback (UK)
Year: 2021
Publisher: The Text Publishing Company
Pages: 320


Description:
The full inside story of the high-stakes global race for the lifesaving vaccine to end the pandemic

Heroic science. Chaotic politics. Billionaire entrepreneurs. In The First Shots, award-winning journalist Brendan Borrell brings to life the defining story of our times through absorbing, first-time reporting on those leading the fight against a vicious virus.

Borrell draws on exclusive, high-level access to take us inside the intense competition among brilliant scientists and the epic rivalries among Washington power players. His propulsive narrative depicts key players such as infectious-diseases expert Michael Callahan, who was secretly on the ground in Wuhan to gauge the terrifying ravages of 'disease X'; Robert Kadlec, one of Operation Warp Speed's architects, whose audacious plans ran straight into the buzz-saw of the Trump White House factions; and Stephane Bancel of Moderna Therapeutics, the upstart company that went toe to toe with pharma behemoth Pfizer.

A real-life thriller playing out over eighteen months of fear, resolve and triumph, The First Shots lays bare the stunning story behind the medical-science 'moonshot' of our lifetimes.