The Rx Files

The Vanguard Network
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The pharmaceutical industry touches every one of us, but most of us don't understand how it works — or why. Why does it cost so much to bring a new drug to market? Who's actually setting the prices you pay at the pharmacy? Is Big Pharma hiding the cure for cancer? And why does the US lead the world in drug discovery, yet rank among the worst in affordability? The Rx Files is here to answer those questions — in plain English, without the jargon and without the spin. Hosted by Nancy Lurker, a 40-year pharmaceutical industry veteran who has worked across Big Pharma, the service sector, and biotech - including as a CEO - alongside veteran journalist Ken Stone, The Rx Files brings frank, informed, and often provocative conversation to one of the most consequential industries on earth. Nancy knows the industry's strengths and its warts, and she's not afraid to talk about both. Ken is there to ask the questions the rest of us would ask if we had the chance. Each episode, they'll go deep on a different piece of the puzzle — drug discovery, clinical trials, pricing, regulation, the role of insurance and pharmacy benefit managers, and much more. At every step they’ll be joined by guests who are actually in the room where it happens. And of course they’ll be tackling all the questions you’d like to hear answered! You can reach the intrepid team at answers@TheRXFiles.com or comment directly at the end of the episodes. The Rx Files is produced by The Vanguard Network and made possible with the support of Syneos Health.

Episodes

  1. Jul 3

    Big Pharma: Saving Lives or Robbing You Blind?

    Most people think the pharmaceutical industry is either saving the world or robbing it blind. The truth, as usual, is more complicated and more interesting. In the first episode of The Rx Files, Nancy Lurker and Ken Stone sit down with Jay Galeota, President and CEO of Kallyope, and go straight at the questions the industry usually dodges. Is Big Pharma really suppressing cures to protect profits? Why does a drug that costs pennies to manufacture end up costing hundreds of dollars at the pharmacy? And if 95% of drugs in development never make it to market, why does anyone make that bet in the first place? Galeota has spent decades inside the machine, starting at Merck before leading multiple biotech companies. He's not here to sell you on anything. He explains, in plain terms, just how brutal the drug development process actually is: years of research, $50 million or more before you've even tested on a human being, and still a 1-in-20 shot at getting to market. Not because anyone is sitting on a cure. Because it's genuinely that hard. But Nancy isn't letting him off the hook either. She presses on the part that makes ordinary people furious: the fact that Americans pay far more for the same drugs than people in Europe or Canada, that bankruptcy from medical bills is a reality for millions, and that "it's complicated" isn't good enough as an answer. No easy answers here. But finally, some honest ones. Next time on The Rx Files: you've heard of Big Pharma. But have you heard of the PBMs? Pharmacy benefit managers sit between you and your medication, and they're making billions doing it. Most people have never heard of them. That's exactly how they like it. Creators & Guests Nancy Lurker - Host Ken Stone - Host James Galeota - Guest Click here to watch a video of this episode. Click here to view the episode transcript.

    Big Pharma: Saving Lives or Robbing You Blind?
  • 1 Episode

About

The pharmaceutical industry touches every one of us, but most of us don't understand how it works — or why. Why does it cost so much to bring a new drug to market? Who's actually setting the prices you pay at the pharmacy? Is Big Pharma hiding the cure for cancer? And why does the US lead the world in drug discovery, yet rank among the worst in affordability? The Rx Files is here to answer those questions — in plain English, without the jargon and without the spin. Hosted by Nancy Lurker, a 40-year pharmaceutical industry veteran who has worked across Big Pharma, the service sector, and biotech - including as a CEO - alongside veteran journalist Ken Stone, The Rx Files brings frank, informed, and often provocative conversation to one of the most consequential industries on earth. Nancy knows the industry's strengths and its warts, and she's not afraid to talk about both. Ken is there to ask the questions the rest of us would ask if we had the chance. Each episode, they'll go deep on a different piece of the puzzle — drug discovery, clinical trials, pricing, regulation, the role of insurance and pharmacy benefit managers, and much more. At every step they’ll be joined by guests who are actually in the room where it happens. And of course they’ll be tackling all the questions you’d like to hear answered! You can reach the intrepid team at answers@TheRXFiles.com or comment directly at the end of the episodes. The Rx Files is produced by The Vanguard Network and made possible with the support of Syneos Health.

Information

  • Creator
    The Vanguard Network
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    1
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Vanguard Network
  • Show Website
    The Rx Files