1005: David Fajgenbaum | Leveraging AI to Cure Rare Diseases
Jun 18, 2024
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David Fajgenbaum, author of 'Chasing My Cure' and founder of Every Cure, shares his compelling journey fighting Castleman disease and how he turned his experiences into a mission to help others. He discusses the inefficiencies in the healthcare system that hinder the discovery of treatments for rare diseases. Fajgenbaum explains how AI can be leveraged to match existing FDA-approved drugs with rare conditions, providing hope for patients. His innovative nonprofit aims to revolutionize drug repurposing, making a significant impact in the world of rare disease research.
Existing drugs can be repurposed for treating rare diseases through AI algorithms.
Pharmaceutical companies lack incentives to explore drugs for rare diseases.
Collaboration between organizations and AI technology can revolutionize drug discovery for rare diseases.
Supporting initiatives like Every Cure can bring hope and relief to individuals with rare diseases.
Deep dives
Discovered the Sleeper Drug for Calciman's
After facing multiple near-death experiences due to Calciman's disease, the speaker dives into a relentless quest to find a suitable treatment. Experimenting with a drug called sirolimus, initially used for organ transplant rejection and treating rare lung diseases, proves to be the breakthrough. Self-testing the drug and embarking on a process of self-discovery, the speaker enters a phase of remission that extends over a decade, defying the odds and finding hope in everyday victories.
The Urgency of Over Time
Facing the pressing urgency of mortality, the speaker likens his battle with Calciman's disease to being in overtime. This heightened sense of urgency and clarity propel him to explore unconventional treatment options and break barriers within the medical realm. Embracing the stark reality of limited time, the speaker's focus and determination to find a life-saving solution drive his actions and decisions.
Navigating Uncharted Territories in Medical Research
Determined to tackle the complexities of rare diseases, the speaker delves into uncharted territories in medical research. By devouring over 2,000 research papers on Calciman's disease and engaging with global experts, the speaker's relentless pursuit of knowledge and experimentation challenges traditional medical approaches. The speaker's bold and unyielding quest to find a cure unravels novel insights and potential solutions within the medical landscape.
Humor Amidst Adversity
In the midst of life-threatening situations and medical uncertainties, the speaker finds solace in humor and light-hearted moments. From funny anecdotes like mistaking a stethoscope poke for impending doom to finding laughter in unexpected situations, humor becomes a coping mechanism. Embracing moments of levity amidst adversity allows the speaker to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of illness with resilience and a positive outlook.
Unlocking the Potential of Existing Drugs for Rare Diseases
The podcast episode delves into the innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) to identify existing drugs that could potentially treat a wide range of rare diseases. Dr. David Fagenbaum's organization, Every Cure, utilizes AI algorithms to match 3,000 FDA-approved drugs with 22,000 diseases, uncovering potential treatment options. By repurposing generic drugs that are no longer profitable for pharmaceutical companies, Every Cure aims to explore new uses and provide hope for individuals with rare diseases.
AI's Role in Revolutionizing Drug Discovery and Treatment
The conversation highlights the significant impact of AI on healthcare and drug discovery. Dr. Fagenbaum discusses how AI algorithms can predict drug-disease interactions, offering insights into potential treatments that may have been overlooked. The use of AI allows for rapid identification of drug candidates, accelerating the process of finding new applications for existing medications and expanding treatment options for various diseases.
The Future of Medical Research and Collaboration
The episode emphasizes the importance of collaboration between pharmaceutical companies and initiatives like Every Cure to maximize the potential of existing medications. Dr. Fagenbaum advocates for open-sourcing data and sharing knowledge to unlock untapped opportunities in drug development. By leveraging AI technology and forming strategic partnerships, there is a transformative potential to address unmet medical needs and advance healthcare innovation.
After treating his own rare disease, Chasing My Cure author David Fajgenbaum explains how existing drugs can help other sufferers survive the unknown.
What We Discuss with David Fajgenbaum:
Dr. David Fajgenbaum nearly died multiple times from a rare ailment called Castleman disease, for which there was no effective treatment available.
The current healthcare system does not incentivize pharmaceutical companies to find new uses for existing drugs, especially for rare diseases, leaving many potential treatments undiscovered.
Driven by his own experiences, Dr. Fajgenbaum realized that many existing FDA-approved drugs could be used to fight rare diseases for which they weren't originally intended.
Dr. Fajgenbaum founded Every Cure, a nonprofit organization that uses AI to match existing drugs with rare diseases they could potentially treat, greatly accelerating the process of finding cures.
You can make a positive impact by supporting organizations like Every Cure, which are working tirelessly to find treatments for rare diseases using innovative approaches. Consider donating to their cause, spreading awareness about their mission, or even sharing your own experiences with off-label drug use that has helped you or someone you know. Every contribution, no matter how small, can help bring hope and relief to those suffering from rare diseases.
