Thalidomide Tragedy

Thalidomide was synthesized in West Germany in 1953 by Chemie Grünenthal. It was marketed (available to patients)from October 1, 1957 (West Germany) into the early 1960's. Sold in at least 46 countries (US not included),Thalidomide was hailed as a "wonder drug" that provided a
"safe, sound sleep". It was a sedative that was found to be effective when given to pregnant women to combat many of the symptoms associated with morning sickness. No clinical testing was available to show that Thalidomide molecules could cross the placental wall affecting the fetus until it was too late.

Thalidomide was a catastrophic drug with tragic side effects.Not only did a percentage of the population experience the effects of peripheral neuritis, a devastating and sometimes
irreversible side effect, but Thalidomide became notorious as the killer and disabler of thousands of babies. When Thalidomide was taken during pregnancy (particularly during a specific window of time in the first trimester), it caused startling birth malformations, and death to babies. Any part of the fetus that was in development at the time of ingestion could be affected.