Thalidomide

As many of you will know Thalidomide, which was prescribed from 1957 to 1961, caused phocomelia (Greek for seal limbs). At first it was thought to be a wonderful drug, being sold to treat diseases such as: coughs, colds, migraines, as a sedative in sleeping pills and its fall to treat morning sickness. Although this wide range of uses should have caused concern about it potency and its mode of action. to the right is the structural display of Thalidomide.

How did it slip through the net? Could it happen again? Firstly, this occurred by the lack of rigorous tests on numerous volunteers, studying both long and short term effects/complications. But more worryingly there was virtually no testing on pregnant animals. Secondly, no it is very unlikely, due to new stricter regulation being introduced such as bigger clinical trials which encompass mandatory testing on pregnant animals. usually rabbits. Further more, there were some anomalies with the data when it was originally collected such as the possibility of neuropathy (nerve problems) would must, more than likely, be picked up today.

The abnormalities are permanent and life changing. In some cases they have become stigmatised and even abused. But many of these people have have adapted to use their 'limbs' successfully becoming musicians, writers and artists. Even with the most severe cases causing hands to be at the shoulders and feet almost to the hip. Below is a picture of a Thalidomide baby:

Against much controversy some drug companies and scientists have believed that such a potent drug must have a safe, usefully role in treating or reducing the symptoms of diseases. Initially, in the late 1990's, it was used to treat leprosy . But was out-competed by more effective drugs. It has now being linked with multiple myeloma - which is the cancer of plasma cells. Unregulated, vast volumes of antibodies are produced which can cause illness in numerous ways: reducing the red blood cell count, making the blood thicker, blocking kidney tubules and by making the bones more fragile, if the cancer spreads. Thalidomide has being shown to be effective when used in conjunction with traditional chemotherapy treatments. This is important as multiple myeloma is quite common - 1 in 170 people suffer at some point in their live. Meaning, especially as survival rates are low (survival beyond 5 years at only 30%), an effective treatment could benefit the masses.