Bench to Bedside
The Business of Drug Development
by Fraser Gibson

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Pharmaceuticals have transformed modern medicine. Penicillin, chemotherapy, and mRNA vaccines have saved millions of lives, yet the industry is often misunderstood, seen as a mix of scientific brilliance and corporate complexity. In Bench to Bedside: The Business of Drug Development, Fraser Gibson takes readers inside this world, tracing the journey of a new therapy from the laboratory bench to the patient’s bedside. Along the way, he explains why developing a single drug can take over a decade, cost billions, and still end in failure, and why so many promising discoveries never make it to market. Readers will discover: • Why drug development is so costly, lengthy, and uncertain • The roles of scientists, regulators, pharmaceutical companies, and patients in bringing therapies to life • How digital health tools and artificial intelligence are changing the research landscape • What the future of innovation might mean for medicine and society Bench to Bedside offers a grounded and accessible look at one of the world’s most vital and often misunderstood industries. It reminds readers that behind every therapy lies not just data and dollars, but people, innovation, and the ongoing pursuit of better health for all.

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Fraser Gibson has spent more than fifteen years working across the full spectrum of drug development, from front-line cancer research and clinical operations to leading large-scale global trials for pharmaceutical companies and contract research organizations. His work has spanned multiple therapeutic areas, including oncology, infectious disease, cardiology, and gene therapy, giving him firsthand insight into the challenges and innovations shaping modern drug development and clinical research. He holds an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business and an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from the University of Guelph. Throughout his career, Fraser has guided multidisciplinary teams, collaborated with physicians and pharmaceutical companies worldwide, and contributed to programs that bring promising therapies from concept to clinic. Fraser is driven by a commitment to open the “black box” of drug development, helping the public understand where medicines come from and why research participants are essential to every breakthrough. Through his writing and speaking, he aims to encourage greater participation in clinical trials by making the process transparent, relatable, and human. He lives in Parkhill, Ontario, with his two dogs, Angus and Misty, his cat, Isa and enjoys playing the bagpipes at highland games and community events. Fraser is the oldest in a family of five with twin sisters Megan and Katie and two brothers Matt and Stewart. Connect with him at www.benchtobedside.ca

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Fraser Gibson