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Worklife with Adam Grant
How David Fajgenbaum saved his own life — and thousands of others
Mar 25, 2025
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.
40:08
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
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.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode