Friends with Benefits is a detailed, punchy and richly reported account of the last several decades of Indo-US relations. Seema Sirohi, a long-time observer of the relationship, has written an entertaining book that balances incisive analysis with valuable original reportage. A fascinating read.’ This explainer has outlined the long journey from the discovery of a new drug to it becoming available on the NHS: the initial scientific research, the search for new compounds, the clinical trials, the marketing authorisation, the cost-effectiveness analysis and the commercial negotiations before, finally, an NHS doctor can prescribe a new drug to their patients.

There have been several books on India–US relations in recent years, but what makes Seema Sirohi’s Friends with Benefits unique is the perspective she offers as an accomplished journalist on how the two vibrant democracies have journeyed from estrangement to engagement. Her insights, drawn from an extended involvement with the subject, are both sharp and incisive.’ Tell me why someone as beautiful as you would want this job.” His dark chocolate eyes were intent on her, and she couldn’t even blink. The thought of breaking the connection was painful.Once more she felt the jolt of hurt at his words, but kept her features impassive, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of seeing her upset, her mouth clenched tightly shut, her mind struggling to accept what was going on. For the first time she realised that deep down she felt that he would not really force her into his bed - that he was only trying to humiliate her. The man she knew six years ago was fair and held in high esteem by the other contractors and employees. Did he not realise he had humiliated her enough? If the research request is approved, the company first conducts phase 1 clinical trials to determine that the drug is safe in small doses in healthy volunteers. If the drug proves to be safe for humans, the company launches phase 2 clinical trials to gather information on dosage, side effects and efficacy for particular conditions. These are typically smaller-scale randomised controlled trials where people are selected at random to take the drug or an alternative treatment or placebo.

After a laughing clink of their glasses, a cosmo for Tina, a gin and tonic for April, and a margarita on ice minus the salt for Laura, they let out a collective sigh of happiness. Until Tina started up on a recurring argument. “Now that you are finding a new job, it is on to finding a new man, girlfriend. This dry spell of yours is turning into the Sahara.” Kelly—she said you were an amazing lover and she couldn’t get enough of you. She said that just thinking of you made her pussy wet. I want to know what that feels like.” I’m blinded. All I could hear was the ringing in my ears. The wolf’s bane grenade had gone off. I squint as the fog cleared. Everything was moving in slow-mo as I tried to find him. Tried to smell him.Yes, but I wasn’t sure you would go for it. Actually, it was Tina that pushed me to tell you about it. Tina was afraid you wouldn’t do it if she put it out there. I have to admit to being surprised, but I think it’s a great idea. I’ve had a chance to meet Paul, and he is absolutely gorgeous. He can help you satisfy your needs and reintroduce you to the world of sex and men. So when the time comes to really put yourself out there, you won’t be so tentative. When Kelly first went to work for Paul, she was mousy, scared of her own shadow. Now she’s confident, ballsy, and I really do think Paul had a lot to do with that, in a very good way.” Oh God”, her panted words, as her hand wrapped around the length of him over the silk material rewarded by the guttural moan that was ripped from his throat, Italian words spilling from him. Just as suddenly as his fingers had penetrated her he removed them, Sara only just managing to stop herself from begging him not to, the moan full of her disappointment. He however rose, and flipping the straps from the main part of the lingerie, grasped it with both hands dragging it down her body. He moved down her as he pulled the skimpy material down her legs, leaving Sara completely naked as he knelt at her feet. In the mid-2010s, NHS England found it increasingly difficult to keep spending within budget for specialised services for rare or more complex conditions. One of the reasons for this was the increasing volume of effective but expensive drugs and medical equipment for these conditions. This sometimes led to an apparent additional hurdle for new drugs: being recognised and incorporated within NHS England’s guidance and funding arrangements for these conditions. She was waiting, still waiting for him to say the words she needed so badly, but he was just staring at her. Setting the glass down with a clink, she looked down at her hands, now clasped together, and prayed her voice wouldn’t tremble. “I do want to be with you and I like being here with you, but I need some time to think about this.”