Superbugs

The Race to Stop an Epidemic

By: Matt McCarthy

Narrated by: Matt McCarthy

International Bestseller

"An amazing, informative book that changes our perspective on medicine, microbes and our future."
--Siddhartha Mukherjee, MD, New York Times bestselling author of The Emperor of All Maladies

A New York Times bestselling author shares this exhilarating story of cutting-edge science and the race against the clock to find new treatments in the fight against the antibiotic-resistant bacteria known as superbugs.

Physician, researcher, and ethics professor Matt McCarthy is on the front lines of a groundbreaking clinical trial testing a new antibiotic to fight lethal superbugs, bacteria that have built up resistance to the life-saving drugs in our rapidly dwindling arsenal. This trial serves as the backdrop for the compulsively readable Superbugs, and the results will impact nothing less than the future of humanity.

Dr. McCarthy explores the history of bacteria and antibiotics, from Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin, to obscure sources of innovative new medicines (often found in soil samples), to the cutting-edge DNA manipulation known as CRISPR, bringing to light how we arrived at this juncture of both incredible breakthrough and extreme vulnerability. We also meet the patients whose lives are hanging in the balance, from Remy, a teenager with a dangerous and rare infection, to Donny, a retired New York City firefighter with a compromised immune system, and many more.

The proverbial ticking clock will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Can Dr. McCarthy save the lives of his patients infected with the deadly bacteria, who have otherwise lost all hope?

Excellent 👌

Dr. McCarthy nails the balance between compellingingly human and groundbreaking clinical medicine by walking us through his "translational" research with Dalba. At the same time, by celebrating the clear brilliance of Dr. Walsh whose work has prevented countless deaths to infection he also puts to the page an ode to the experienced mind in medicine that will always have it's place among the latest and greatest antibiotics since those hard-earned drugs will only be so powerful as those who wield their powers. If more doctors in training would read this book I believe both over prescription and white-coated pride could be prevented in a large degree. In any case, an excellent read. Thanks Dr. McCarthy.

Not a scientific book

A good book of the backstory of bringing a new drug to market. Interesting read.

Beyond Clinical Competence

The clinical challenges of fighting superbugs makes for a compelling listen. But the hidden gift of this book is its focus on Tom Walsh, the author’s mentor. Walsh is an energetic polymath whose insight and expertise bring hope to hopeless cases, yet his relentless optimism can’t prevent him from absorbing the pain of suffering patients. Matt McCarthy reveals what Tom Walsh has taught him along the way: patience, humility, curiosity, and unflinching dedication to the mission of helping the helpless.

LOVED IT !

I couldn't stop listening. It elicited so many memories of good and bad. Thank you for writing the book.

Fascinating/Scary

Informative as to the processes of developing a new drug, fascinating because of the patient experiences and scary because bacteria can hurt us so badly. I appreciate people like the author who strive to find answers.