The branded pharmaceutical industry is a slow innovation industry, because of the long time to market of new molecular entities (NME). On average, it takes ~10-15 years from concept to product, at a cost of ~$1-5 billion, and a failure rate of ~90% [1]. There are generally two reasons why the timelines are long. One involves the linear phase sequencing of clinical trials and the other, is around financial risks around probability of technical and regulatory success. A perhaps more proximal issue is that pharmaceutical R&D enterprises are organized around prioritized investments, working on assets with the greatest return of investments. There is much less appreciation or flexibility in leveraging expertise around priorities that are often thrust on the system by external forces, such as the current pandemic. Addressing emerging public health concerns, including preparedness for epidemic/pandemic situations, requires a hypervelocity mindset, which the current apparatus is least prepared for. This commentary offers insight into the organizational preparedness into mobilizing resources and scientific creativity for accelerated timelines in response to pandemics.