Using Existing Drugs in New Ways to Treat & Cure Diseases of Brain & Body | Dr. David Fajgenbaum
Andrew Huberman
3 nov 2025
Mindsip insights from this episode:
Repurpose thalidomide to treat leprosy and multiple myeloma
Thalidomide, a drug infamous for causing birth defects, was successfully repurposed to treat both leprosy and multiple myeloma due to its ability to reduce blood vessel growth.
Understand how sleep deprivation triggers immune cytokine storms
A study found that the actual cause of death in severely sleep-deprived mice was a massive inflammatory cytokine storm from their own immune systems.
Utilize aspirin to lower colon cancer recurrence risk
Aspirin has been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer recurrence, particularly in individuals who have a mutation in the MTOR pathway.
Utilize Rapamycin to combat Castleman's disease and enhance longevity
The speaker treated his own fatal Castleman's disease with a high dose of Rapamycin (Sirolimus), a drug typically used for organ transplants and explored for longevity.
Inject lidocaine pre-surgery to lower breast cancer mortality
A large trial in India found that injecting lidocaine around a breast cancer tumor 8-10 minutes before surgery resulted in a 29% reduction in five-year mortality.
Address generic drug issue to promote life-saving research
Since 80% of the 4,000 FDA-approved drugs are generic, there is no financial incentive for any single company to research and promote their new, life-saving uses.
Leverage hope-action loop in anterior mid-cingulate cortex to enhance will to live
The will to live and overcome challenges is linked to a 'hope, action, impact' feedback loop driven by a specific brain region called the anterior mid-cingulate cortex.
Leverage patents to drive drug repurposing for heart health
The ancient gout drug colchicine only received FDA approval for reducing heart attack risk after its dose was slightly changed, which allowed for a new patent to be filed.
More from
Andrew Huberman
Female Hormone Health, PCOS, Endometriosis, Fertility & Breast Cancer | Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi
Essentials: Science of Building Strong Social Bonds with Family, Friends & Romantic Partners
How to Speak Clearly & With Confidence | Matt Abrahams
Essentials: Breathing for Mental & Physical Health & Performance | Dr. Jack Feldman
How Your Thoughts Are Built & How You Can Shape Them | Dr. Jennifer Groh
You also might be interested in
One Fat Can Prevent Dementia — If You Eat It Long-term
Thyroid function and hypothyroidism: why current diagnosis and treatment fall short for many, and how new approaches are transforming care | Antonio Bianco, M.D., Ph.D.
This Is Why Soda Spreads Cancer in your Body
Starving Cancer: The Hidden Power of Food, Fasting, and the Body’s Inner Terrain
Dementia Rates PLUNGED in Study of 1 Million People
