The Rx Files

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 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.