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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

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