Moonshot
Inside Pfizer’s Nine-Month Race to Make the Impossible Possible
Albert Bourla
“The exclusive, first-hand, behind-the-scenes story of how Pfizer raced to create the first Covid-19 vaccine, told by Pfizer’s Chairman and CEO Dr. Albert Bourla. A riveting, fast-paced, inside look at one of the most incredible private sector achievements in history, Moonshot recounts the intensive nine months in 2020 when the scientists at Pfizer… As Dr. Bourla makes clear, Pfizer’s success wasn’t due to luck; it was because of preparation driven by four simple values—Courage, Excellence, Equity, and Joy.”
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oonshot is a fascinating and fast-paced look at the incredible race to develop Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. Written by the Pfizer’s CEO, it’s an engaging read that takes you behind the scenes of one of the biggest scientific breakthroughs in recent history.
The author does a great job explaining the challenges, risks, and big decisions that had to be made to pull this off. From completely rethinking testing processes to overhauling the supply chain, the book highlights how Pfizer managed to produce millions of vaccines in record time. It’s hard not to admire the leadership and vision it took to make it all happen.
One of the most interesting parts of the book is the breakdown of how a vaccine, which normally takes over seven years to develop, was done in just nine months. It raises some big questions: If this is possible, why isn’t it the norm? The author points out the inefficiencies in the current system, with its red tape and politics, and challenges us to think about how things could change.
The book spends a lot of time on the political side of things—world leaders, negotiations, and global politics played a big role in the process. While that’s part of the story, it might not be as interesting for people hoping for more behind-the-scenes science or business strategies. There are moments where more detail about the actual decision-making would’ve made it even better, especially for those curious about the organizational side of things.
Overall, Moonshot is an inspiring and easy read that captures a historical moment we all lived through. It’s a unique perspective on the pandemic and what it took to create a vaccine that changed the world. 4 stars.
