How David Fajgenbaum saved his own life — and thousands of others
Mar 25, 2025
auto_awesome
David Fajgenbaum, a physician-scientist who defied death at 25 by repurposing a drug to save his own life, shares his remarkable journey. He discusses the potential of AI in drug discovery and how his nonprofit, EveryCure, aims to unlock existing medicines for various diseases. The conversation dives into the emotional toll of illness and the importance of resilience and innovation in medical research, as well as the need for a mindset shift in the pharmaceutical industry to prioritize affordable treatments for rare diseases.
David Fajgenbaum's journey from critically ill medical student to lifesaving innovator highlights the power of resilience and self-advocacy in healthcare.
Every Cure's mission to repurpose existing drugs emphasizes the need for flexibility in treatment approaches to unlock new solutions for rare diseases.
The integration of artificial intelligence in drug discovery significantly accelerates the identification of potential treatments, transforming the landscape of medical research.
Deep dives
David Fagenbaum's Journey
David Fagenbaum's experience with a life-threatening disease called Castleman's led him to become his own first patient. As a medical student, he faced dire health challenges, including multiple organ failures and extensive time in the ICU. His determination to survive motivated him to investigate existing treatments, which ultimately resulted in discovering a lifesaving drug. This personal journey fueled his passion to help others afflicted by similar rare diseases.
The Impact of Repurposing Drugs
Repurposing existing drugs for new conditions has the potential to save many lives, particularly in cases of rare diseases where no effective treatment exists. Fagenbaum emphasized that traditional thinking often confines drugs to specific uses, resulting in missed opportunities for patients. By leveraging a more flexible approach, his nonprofit, Every Cure, aims to uncover matching drugs for various diseases, increasing the chances of successful treatments. This innovative approach underscores the importance of thinking outside conventional paradigms to find solutions for patients in need.
The Role of AI in Drug Discovery
Artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in streamlining the drug discovery process by evaluating thousands of drug-disease combinations efficiently. Every Cure utilizes an AI platform that analyzes approved drugs against myriad diseases, quickly identifying potential treatment matches. By drastically reducing the time required for analysis, AI aids in prioritizing the most promising opportunities for clinical trials and research. This integration of technology not only enhances efficiency but also increases the likelihood of finding effective treatments for neglected conditions.
The Importance of a Supportive Network
Fagenbaum's experience highlights the necessity of a supportive environment during challenging times, providing motivation and strength. Close relationships with family and friends helped him persevere through moments of despair while battling his illness. These personal connections served as an important source of emotional support, enabling him to maintain focus on his goals despite overwhelming odds. The encouragement he received reinforced the idea that community and connection are vital components in the journey of resilience and healing.
Challenges in Addressing Rare Diseases
Addressing rare diseases often faces significant hurdles, including financial constraints and a lack of research incentives. Drug companies typically prioritize profitable opportunities, leaving many effective treatments undiscovered or under-explored for less common conditions. Fagenbaum's work seeks to bridge this gap by pursuing inexpensive drugs with the potential to help patients in dire need. His commitment to looking beyond conventional financial models underscores the importance of compassion and dedication in the fight against rare diseases.
David Fajgenbaum had his last rites read to him at 25 years old after a brutal struggle with an inflammatory disease that attacks the vital organs. As a medical student with two weeks left to live, he repurposed a drug and tested it on himself—and saved his own life. Now, he’s repeating the same process for many others through his nonprofit, Every Cure, with the mission of unlocking the full potential of existing drugs to treat every disease possible. David and Adam discuss the building blocks of resilience, explore the disincentives that prevent hidden cures from coming to light, and explain how AI is aiding creative discovery to save lives.
