Robert Langer: Edison of Medicine | Lex Fridman Podcast #105

Early in his career, Langer experienced upsetting rejections from journals. He learned to view these not just as setbacks but as opportunities to improve his explanations and incorporate reviewer feedback for future submissions.

Key challenges include precisely targeting specific cells (like cancer cells), crossing biological barriers (like the blood-brain barrier), and developing 'smart' delivery systems that respond to physiological signals in the body.

Angiogenesis is the growth of new blood vessels. In cancer, tumors require blood vessels to grow and spread (metastasize). Inhibiting this process can 'starve' the tumor, making it smaller and more susceptible to other treatments.

Future drug delivery systems, possibly involving nanotechnology, could become more intelligent, responding to bodily signals. While robotic systems roaming the body are not imminent, miniaturized intelligent chips for drug release are being developed.

Tissue engineering involves building organs or tissues from scratch. This typically uses a scaffold structure, onto which various cell types (like stem cells or specific tissue cells) are placed to grow and form new tissue.

Human skin has been engineered and approved by the FDA for burn victims and diabetic ulcers. Clinical trials are ongoing for blood vessels, and research is progressing on neural tissue, cartilage, and even simpler organs like livers and kidneys.

Strategies include encapsulating cells to protect them from immune attack, making cells less immunogenic, or using the patient's own cells to minimize the risk of rejection.

While not expected to cause radical increases in lifespan, tissue engineering research holds promise for improving the quality of life for many and potentially extending life somewhat by better treating age-related conditions and injuries.

Patents are crucial for attracting the massive investment needed for drug and device development, providing a return on investment. However, they can potentially limit access to essential treatments after a drug becomes successful.

Success hinges on both a strong scientific discovery (ideally a broad platform technology) and excellent business people. Key business aspects include judging people, strategic planning, managing FDA/regulatory processes, fundraising, and people management.

The primary concern is often funding, particularly for basic research. Maintaining a balance between directed funding and open-ended exploration is crucial for scientific advancement.

He is most proud of his students. Having mentored hundreds who have gone on to achieve significant success in engineering, medicine, academia, and industry, he sees their accomplishments and happiness as his greatest legacy.