David Fajgenbaum

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, 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.

Ethan Gilsdorf, a writer and performer, shares how Dungeons & Dragons helped him navigate life’s hurdles and find empowerment. David Fajgenbaum, a physician and Castleman disease advocate, discusses his battle with illness and the transformative power of storytelling in healing. Kurt Gray, a psychology professor, delves into the hero's journey as a framework for personal growth, encouraging listeners to reshape their narratives. Together, they explore how embracing life's challenges can create meaning and resilience through our own heroic tales.

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.

David Fajgenbaum, an Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania and co-founder of the Castleman Disease Collaborative Network, shares his extraordinary journey battling a rare disease. He discusses his near-death experiences, promising himself to advocate for research if he survived. Fajgenbaum emphasizes living life 'on overtime,' embracing mindfulness, humor, and love in the face of adversity. His insights on finding purpose and connection amidst illness provide listeners with a profound perspective on resilience and authentic living.