The Pharma-Hollywood Congruence

http://bigbangtheory.wikia.com/wiki/The_Locomotion_Interruption

Bernadette: "OK. One more time. We throw chemotherapies blindly at cancer patients, which means we do not care about their genomic profile. The reason for this: whole genome sequencing is not yet a blockbuster."

Penny: "Why would we throw pills at the problem if it doesn't work?"

Bernadette: "Think of them as blockbusters, not as pills. In 'Big Pharma', B stands for Blockbuster: the one and only drug that will cover management's salaries and a whole variety of expenses like gourmet buffet dinners, posh golf clubs, nice congress venues worldwide, entertainment for the physicians. Last but not least, your salary and mine."

Penny: "Yeah, but those blockbusters you are talking about... Can they cure people?"

Bernadette: "Sometimes they can do that. The only thing that is 100% of the time true is that they are so damn expensive."

Penny: "Do people get a refund if the treatment doesn't work for them?"

Bernadette: "Now I need you to think very carefully. Criticizing a blockbuster can get you in real trouble. What would you like better? A well-paid job or death threats?"

Penny: "Got it. Big Pharma is just another Hollywood, with drugs instead of movies. This new job means I will pursue a new career in acting. Blockbuster? I'm all for it."

Bernadette: "Excellent. You are making the right choice."