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99% Invisible · May 12, 2026 · 00:32:15

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Drug names like Viagra and Prozac might seem arbitrary, but they are the result of painstaking design. This episode of 99% Invisible pulls back the curtain on the industry that crafts brand names for pharmaceuticals—a blend of marketing strategy, linguistic research, and poetic sensibility. The result is a collection of catchy, unforgettable monikers meant to inspire trust and recall.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Highlights

Drug Naming as Design
The names of brand-name drugs are not random; they are carefully designed to be catchy, memorable, and effective.
The Poetry of Pharmaceuticals
Poetic techniques such as rhythm and wordplay are used to construct drug names that are pleasing to the ear.
Behind the Catchy Names
A behind-the-scenes look reveals the creative industry that invents drug brand names.
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