I Call Bullsh*t with Kristina Braly

008: Big Pharma vs. Low-Cost Cures: Evidence Behind the Claims that Suppression Exists

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In this episode, we call B.S. on Big Pharma’s profit motives and explore how cheap or off-patent drugs often get sidelined – not by a grand conspiracy, but by a system that simply doesn’t reward low-margin cures. We discuss:

  • Opioid Crisis Lawsuits: How Purdue Pharma and others downplayed risks and triggered a national epidemic.
  • The Ivermectin Saga: Why a generic anti-parasitic got dismissed for COVID-19, stoking theories about suppressing cheap treatments.
  • Cannabis & Psychedelics: Once deemed “no medical value,” now shown to help PTSD, depression, and more, but suppressed for decades.
  • Real Influence on Research: Pharma funds trials, buries negative results, and fosters publication bias.
  • Minor Mention of LDN: Low Dose Naltrexone as an example of an under-researched, generic therapy that might have big potential.

    • Key Points & Discussion

    1. Opioid Crisis Lawsuits:
      • Purdue Pharma’s role in pushing OxyContin, concealing addictive potential.
      • Billions in settlements; internal memos showed profit-first tactics.
      • Demonstrates Big Pharma’s willingness to prioritize sales over safety.
      • WHO & Ivermectin Saga:
        • Early COVID-19 hype vs. mainstream dismissal, fueling “suppression” talk.
        • No major RCT funding from big sponsors – no profits to be made.
        • Shows how “lack of data” can be a result of zero corporate interest.
        • Cannabis & Psychedelics:
          • They were Schedule I (“no medical value”) for decades, but new studies show clear benefits (pain, depression, etc.).
          • Pharma’s disinterest in non-patentable compounds – overshadowed by new psych meds.
          • Now a resurgence of research as big companies eye synthetic/novel forms for profit.
          • Real Influence on Research:
            • Evidence of publication bias; negative or unflattering results get hidden.
            • Synthroid fiasco (study suppressed for 7 years), paying doctors, lobbying regulators.
            • Reinforces that “profit over science” can hamper cheap, off-label therapies.
            • LDN (Low Dose Naltrexone) Mention:
              • Potential uses (fibromyalgia, Crohn’s), minimal side effects, but no big trials = less adoption.
              • Symbolizes how unpatented therapies languish in R&D purgatory.

                • References

                • Opioid Crisis Lawsuits: US DOJ Opioid Settlement with Purdue
                • Ivermectin & COVID-19: WHO Advice on Ivermectin
                • Cannabis & Psychedelic Studies: Nature: Psilocybin for Depression RCT
                • Influence on Research: BMJ: Publication bias in industry-funded trials
                • LDN Trials Info: Penn State Crohn's LDN Study

                  • Listener Action Items

                  • Scrutinize Pharma Claims: Always ask who funds the trials, check for negative or missing data.
                  • Support Independent Research: Encourage public funding for generics & natural therapies so they're properly studied.
                  • Stay Skeptical: Don't dismiss everything mainstream, but remember profit motives shape the narrative.

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                    Stay tuned for our next episode where we investigate more suspicious BS in the world of medicine, marketing, and beyond!

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                    I Call Bullsh*t with Kristina BralyBy Kristina Braly