Module 5 Presentations

05/07/2024

Thalidomide (1)

• In the 1950s, a German company, Chemie Grünenthal, developed thalidomide, which was marketed in Europe as sedative or tranquiliser (trouble sleeping, anxiety), and was seen as a highly effective treatment for pregnant women with morning sickness. • The drug enjoyed such widespread success that in some European countries it became almost as popular as aspirin.

The Organisation for Professionals in Regulatory Affairs

Thalidomide tragedy (1956-1961)

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Thalidomide (2)

More than 10,000 children in 46 countries were born with severe deformities, including malformed limbs (phocomelia), eye and ear defects or malformed internal organs such as unsegmented small or large intestines.

Dr. Frances Oldham Kelsey

The Organisation for Professionals in Regulatory Affairs

Thalidomide tragedy (1956-1961)

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