Book excerpt: 47 leaders from across the biotechnology industry tell their stories of battling the global scourge of COVID-19. Pandemics have killed at least a half billion people over the past two millennia. But in the age of biotechnology, humanity is no longer defenseless. The biotechnology industry is a diverse community of scientists, doctors, patients, entrepreneurs, investors, bankers, analysts and reporters, all committed to treating and curing disease. Over the past forty years, it has produced medical advances at an electrifying rate. As the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, hundreds of companies quickly pivoted to combating the virus. The contributors to this book offer inside views of this seminal industry, with historical and personal perspectives, lessons learned, and looks into the future. Diverse as these leaders are, they are united by their conviction that science and medicine will light humanity’s way to greater health and longevity.