NEW YORK, Jan. 4 The HBO cable network has tabbed an untitled medical drama based on a novel by author Jerome Groopman to add to its U.S. programming.The new drama, which is based on Groopman's The Anatomy of Hope: How People Prevail in the Face of Illness, may be directed by Alias and Lost creator J.J. Abrams, the Hollywood Reporter said. Abrams' potential role as executive producer and director of the new drama is currently in negotiations with HBO execs, the Hollywood Reporter said.If Abrams signs onto the production, it will mark his first project since he signed a six-year contract with WBTV through his Bad Robot production company.Just like the 2004 book from the Harvard Medical School professor, the series will focus on a patient's perspective of their ongoing struggles with cancer.The paper said that to keep the adaptation accurate, both Groopman and his wife, another Harvard professor, will serve as series advisers.Copyright 2007 by UPI
