ReThinking How David Fajgenbaum saved his own life — and thousands of others
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Mar 25, 2025 
David Fajgenbaum, a physician scientist at Penn, faced death at 25 from Castleman's disease but miraculously saved himself by repurposing a drug. He founded Every Cure to help others unlock the potential of existing medications. In this discussion, he shares the building blocks of resilience and the disincentives in drug development. They also delve into how AI is revolutionizing the identification of new treatments and the importance of innovative partnerships between nonprofits and pharmaceutical companies in the fight against rare diseases.
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Self-Treatment
- David Fajgenbaum, while a medical student, became critically ill with Castleman's disease.
- He was on his deathbed, but through self-experimentation, he discovered a treatment that saved his life.
Clarity of Purpose
- Facing death gives clarity and a sense of urgency.
- This "overtime" mentality allows focus on the next step, making each moment count.
Building Resilience
- Resilience is built on a vision of the future and strong social support.
- Having loved ones present during difficult times provides strength and motivation.
