3 chapters across the catalog
A 1981 CDC report on unusual pneumonia cases marks the recognized beginning of the AIDS epidemic. Dr. Anthony Fauci's leadership at the NIAID is detailed, focusing on his transition into the nation's top infectious disease expert. The hosts discuss the evolution of "testing culture" among different demographics since the 1980s.
During the late 1980s, the FDA was criticized for its lengthy drug approval process while AIDS patients were dying. The hosts discuss the ethics of placebo-controlled trials for terminal illnesses and the rise of "buyers clubs" for unapproved treatments. Dr. Fauci is noted for testifying that he would seek "street" drugs if he were a patient.
Dr. Kizmika Corbett of the NIAID explains the mechanics of the mRNA vaccine developed in collaboration with Moderna, which uses genetic material to encode the coronavirus spike protein. The NIAID reportedly owns a significant portion of the patents for this technology, which is being fast-tracked through the regulatory process. The delivery mechanism is described as a "Trojan horse" that recodes cells to produce an immune response.
