Publications
Publications
- November 2022 (Revised February 2023)
- HBS Case Collection
Martine Rothblatt and United Therapeutics: A Series of Implausible Dreams
By: Debora L. Spar and Julia M. Comeau
Abstract
In 1990, satellite expert and Sirius XM founder Martine Rothblatt was determined to save the life of her seven-year-old daughter, Jenesis, who was diagnosed with a terminal illness called Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). At the time, there was little medication available for the rare condition, so Rothblatt decided make a drug herself and formed United Therapeutics in 1996. When that company proved successful, both financially and scientifically, Rothblatt decided to take what she saw as the logical next step: manufacturing organs for transplantation.
Keywords
Pharmaceutical Companies; Technological And Scientific Innovation; Organ Donation; Health Care and Treatment; Health Disorders; Innovation and Invention; Pharmaceutical Industry; Medical Devices and Supplies Industry; United States; District of Columbia
Citation
Spar, Debora L., and Julia M. Comeau. "Martine Rothblatt and United Therapeutics: A Series of Implausible Dreams." Harvard Business School Case 323-039, November 2022. (Revised February 2023.)