David Fajgenbaum

David Fajgenbaum, a doctor and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, shares his incredible journey of surviving idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease by finding his own cure. He discusses the flaws in current drug discovery processes and introduces his AI-driven tool that aims to connect untreatable diseases with potential treatments. The conversation highlights the challenges of navigating pharmaceuticals, the importance of personalized care, and the ethical implications of using technology in medicine, particularly in life-or-death situations.

David Fajgenbaum, an immunology researcher who overcame Castleman disease, and Celina de Sola, a public health expert from El Salvador, share insights on transforming hope into actionable change. They discuss their missions to repurpose drugs and address trauma in communities. David's AI-driven approach aims to match existing drugs with new diseases, while Celina highlights the importance of trauma-informed systems in policing. Together, they reveal how to scale impact through local engagement, humility, and the power of productive hope.

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.

David Fajgenbaum, a physician-scientist and co-founder of the nonprofit Every Cure, shares his incredible story of turning a near-death experience from a rare disease into a mission to save others. He reveals how he discovered a life-saving drug originally intended for a different condition. David discusses the innovative use of AI to uncover new treatments and the challenges faced in securing funding for his cause. His journey highlights the power of collaboration in healthcare and his drive to transform personal pain into a purpose that impacts many.

Dr. David Fajgenbaum, a physician-scientist from UPenn and co-founder of EveryCure, shares his remarkable journey battling Castleman disease. He emphasizes the challenges of repurposing generic drugs and how existing medicines can offer hope for rare diseases. Fajgenbaum discusses his breakthrough with sirolimus, which led to his remission. He also reveals how AI is transforming drug repurposing, helping to match existing treatments with unmet medical needs. His mission is to inspire change in patient-driven research and push for effective solutions.

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.

Dr. David Fajgenbaum, a physician and Castleman's disease survivor, shares his remarkable journey from a Division One quarterback to a medical advocate. He discusses how personal tragedy, including his mother's battle with cancer, inspired his fight for medical innovation. David explains his groundbreaking work in drug repurposing, emphasizes the importance of the 'right to try' legislation, and highlights how AI could transform cancer treatments. His journey showcases resilience, hope, and the profound impact of patient-centered care.

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.