We often experience science through the breakthrough announced in the news. But that moment comes at the end of a long and arduous process that often began years earlier. Understanding this journey, and the people who dedicate their careers to these efforts, can bring us one step closer to appreciating the value of that breakthrough. In the season finale of The Persistence Lab, a podcast from AbbVie, we revisit our conversations with the scientists and experts from this season to understand how optimism becomes a strategy to drive innovation, not just a mindset. Not intended for UK audiences.

For more information on AbbVie’s culture of scientific innovation, visit: https://www.abbvie.com/science/our-people.html.

Neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, are conditions that lead to a gradual, cumulative loss of neural activity in the brain. There are currently no cures for these conditions, and current care regimens focus on managing the symptoms of these diseases. In this episode, sponsored by AbbVie, we look at the impact of neurological conditions on patients and their families, and the persistence of the scientists and researchers who are exploring new clinical approaches that could potentially change the way these neurological conditions are treated. Not intended for UK audiences.

For more information on AbbVie’s efforts in neuroscience, visit: https://www.abbvie.com/science/areas-of-focus/neuroscience.html.

Why do some patients with autoimmune disease respond to treatment while others may not? Understanding these insights can offer scientists potential clues about the underlying cause of disease. This episode, sponsored by AbbVie, explores the approaches scientists use to help drive progress in immunology research like reverse translation – a process that works from “bedside to bench” using clinical observation and patient data to inform and refine drug development earlier on in the process. Not intended for UK audiences.

To learn more about AbbVie’s efforts in immunology, visit: https://www.abbvie.com/science/areas-of-focus/immunology.html

The immune system is our greatest defense – a shield that protects us from harmful diseases. But what happens when it misfires and attacks the body with no pathogens in sight? For decades, scientists have been working to find ways to address the conditions that result from this process, like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. This episode, sponsored by AbbVie, traces how scientists’ understanding of immune activation has evolved and explores new clinical approaches that aim to reset the immune system. It’s a story of turning inward to finding the answers already written in our biology. Not intended for UK audiences.

For more information about the technologies and platforms informing AbbVie’s therapeutic approaches, visit: https://abbv.ie/092d64

What does it really mean to feel good in your own skin? Despite the number of patients who achieve natural-looking results from dermal fillers, social media and online sources have disproportionately amplified stories of the outliers. Providers now play an important role in educating audiences about these medicines – knowledge that can help lead to more informed conversations. In this episode, sponsored by AbbVie, we dive deep into the world of aesthetic medicine, focusing on how education about the science of these treatments can build trust and break down barriers to care. Not intended for UK audiences.

For more information about AbbVie’s research in aesthetic medicine, visit: https://www.abbvie.com/science/areas-of-focus/aesthetics.html.

For patients with tough-to-treat cancers, treatment approaches have advanced significantly over the past several decades. Scientists have made significant progress in understanding cancer biology. In this episode, sponsored by AbbVie, we explore how the discovery of biomarkers – the biological “signatures” for certain cancers – have helped create a paradigm shift in how we treat cancer by focusing on precision medicine approaches to target specific tumors. Not intended for UK audiences.

To learn more about AbbVie’s research in oncology, visit: https://www.abbvie.com/science/areas-of-focus/oncology.html.

Medication access goes beyond the ability to obtain the medication prescribed – it's also about the logistics: developing, manufacturing and delivering a medicine. This episode, sponsored by AbbVie, explores how teams are rethinking operations and manufacturing to prioritize the most important piece of the puzzle: the patient. Behind every package that reaches a patient lies remarkable science, dedication, and ingenuity, ensuring that care makes it all the way to those who need it most. Not intended for UK audiences.

To find out more about AbbVie’s operations and manufacturing capabilities, visit: https://www.abbvie.com/who-we-are/our-stories/how-abbvies-integrated-operations-help-prevent-drug-shortages.html

For many patients, navigating the health care system can be painstakingly difficult. But a conversation with an advocate can change everything. In this episode, sponsored by AbbVie, we follow the patient journey through the complexities of the health care system. Along the way, we meet people behind AbbVie’s patient support teams, who aim to help patients feel seen, heard, and empowered. Not intended for UK audiences.

To find out more about AbbVie patient support, visit: www.abbvie.com/patients/patient-support.html