Podcst

664. Are Thousands of Medical Cures Hiding in Plain Sight?

Freakonomics Radio

Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher

February 20, 2026

Show Notes

Existing drugs can sometimes be repurposed to treat rare diseases. But making that match can be hard — and the financial incentives are weak. Guest host Steve Levitt tries to solve the puzzle.

  • SOURCES:
    • Chris Snyder, professor of economics at Dartmouth College.
    • David Fajgenbaum, co-founder and president of Every Cure, physician-scientist at the University of Pennsylvania.
    • Heather Stone, health science policy analyst at the Food & Drug Administration.
    • Sarrin Chethik, senior policy analyst at the Market Shaping Accelerator.


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