Everything you need to know about the Thalidomide tragedy
You’ve probably come across several drugs that are used as medicines, such as your humble paracetamol, cetirizine or ibuprofen. But have you heard of thalidomide? This drug was first marketed as a sedative in post-World War II Europe (1957) by a West German company called Grunenthal. Despite being an excellent sedative, it was responsible for sparking a worldwide tragedy when used to cure nausea. The drug, prescribed to pregnant women to relieve morning sickness, was later found to cause irreversible harm to the growing baby. Numerous children were born with extreme birth defects, and some had no limbs at all. Many of them did not live past a few days after their birth. Let’s take a closer look at this medical tragedy.
What exactly happened?
The thalidomide tragedy shook the world some 60 years ago. Thalidomide, as already mentioned, was approved for use in pregnant women to cure morning sickness. Unfortunately, babies born to these women were deformed, and the link to the drug was quickly established. In an ideal case scenario, the manufacturers should have conducted stringent tests and experiments before marketing this drug. However, they did not. They also did not use pregnant animals during drug testing. As a result, damage to embryos and offspring was only discovered after the drug entered the market and after experiments were re-conducted on pregnant animals. However, it was too late and by then an estimated 15,000 children were born with severe malformations.
Abnormalities observed in newborns
Pregnant women were prescribed thalidomide in the first five to nine weeks of their pregnancies. It is during this period that a baby’s limbs are formed. As a result, the primary side effect of this medication was limb defect. Although the mechanism by which thalidomide affects the embryo is unknown, we know that it exists in two forms. The marketed drug is a combination of the two forms in an equal ratio. One of the forms is responsible for hindering the development of the human embryo. It is hypothesised to inhibit blood vessel growth, preventing normal limb formation. Several children affected by thalidomide developed phocomelia, a side effect in which limbs are completely absent. Few were born with missing toes, fingers or extra fingers or toes. This medication also resulted in complete and partial vision or hearing loss in few children. Other adverse effects include vital organ injury and facial muscle paralysis.
Dr. William McBride: The man who alerted the world of the thalidomide tragedy
In June 1961, Dr William McBride, an Australian doctor, expressed his opinion on using thalidomide. After observing several cases of congenital disabilities, he linked the situation to the drug and successfully convinced the Sydney Women’s Hospital to discontinue thalidomide. Dr McBride also wrote to the journal Lancet, requesting that his findings be published to raise awareness. He also attempted to prove his theory by asking a pharmacology professor at the University of Sydney to conduct a study on laboratory animals. Sadly, his request was turned down at the time. However, eventually animal tests were conducted, and the results were shocking! His hypothesis was deemed correct because the animals in the test experienced a variety of side effects, including miscarriage and foetal resorption as well as damage to the eyes, heart, brain and limb malformations.
Officially, the drug’s manufacturing ceased in November 1961. In June 1963, a committee on drug safety was established to oversee proper drug testing and evaluate potential side effects. The Medicines Act further tightened drug regulation in 1968.
So, where does thalidomide stand now? Is it still being used for any other diseases? The answer is yes. Research has revealed that thalidomide can eliminate leprosy symptoms if the patient continuously takes the drug. It is also used in treating AIDS-related conditions and some types of cancers.