Kalshi and Polymarket bets on clinical trials criticized as 'ghastly'

Researchers warn betting on clinical trials could incentivize insider trading and interfere with drug development. But Kalshi and Polymarket say they provide valuable information to patients.

<img src='https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4256x2832+0+0/resize/4256x2832!/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F41%2Fc6%2Fe7079d3a4f128467d00bfebea0dd%2Fgettyimages-463189932.jpg' alt='Kalshi and Polymarket say allowing people to bet on the outcomes of clinical trials and FDA drug approvals provides valuable information about drug development. But researchers warn the bets could incentivize insider trading and interfere with the integrity of the process.'/><p>Researchers warn betting on clinical trials could incentivize insider trading and interfere with drug development. But Kalshi and Polymarket say they provide valuable information to patients.</p><p>(Image credit: Fred Tanneau)</p><img src='https://media.npr.org/include/images/tracking/npr-rss-pixel.png?story=nx-s1-5922530' />