Because of us, you have been living with an invalid for half a century? Well, I'm sorry...
In the 50-60s of the last century, thalidomide (in Germany – kontergan) was approved in 46 countries as a means to eliminate morning sickness and improve sleep during pregnancy. The drug quickly gained popularity in Australia, West Germany and the UK. Thanks to the opposition of Frances Oldham Kelsey, who demanded additional research and in 1962 received an award from President John F. Kennedy for this, thalidomide was not approved in the United States. However, American doctors have received millions of pills as part of clinical trials of the drug.
On August 31, 1961, the sale of the drug was banned, as it was found that its use causes serious side effects, manifested by serious birth defects in newborns.
The exact number of victims of thalidomide is unknown, according to experts, it varies from 10,000 to 20,000 people. The most common abnormalities were shortening or complete absence of arms, legs or all limbs. Taking thalidomide also caused defects in the development of the eyes, ears, heart, genitals and internal organs.
Despite many lawsuits, the manufacturer of thalidomide, the German company Gruenenthal, refused to enter into negotiations with organizations protecting the rights of victims and take responsibility for what happened. Its representatives stated that the drug had passed all the necessary testing stages and met all the requirements set for medicines in the 50s.
People affected by the drug received compensation from funds founded by local distributors of thalidomide.
On Friday, August 31 – the 50th anniversary of the withdrawal of thalidomide from the market - the executive director of Gruenenthal, Dr. Harald F. Stock, officially apologized on behalf of the company for the first time to the victims of thalidomide and their mothers. At the same time, he said that "the company apologizes for the fact that for almost 50 years it has not made personal contact with the victims. The company asks to regard its silence as a result of the state of shock caused by the fate of the victims."
Dr. Stock delivered his speech at the opening ceremony of the monument to a child born without limbs due to the use of thalidomide, installed in Stolberg, Germany.
Representatives of organizations protecting the rights of thalidomide victims expressed outrage and dissatisfaction with the actions of Gruenenthal. They believe that the apology was made inexcusably late and should be accompanied by other actions, including financial support.
Thalidomide is currently being studied as a treatment for certain types of cancer and autoimmune diseases and is used, under strict control, for the treatment of leprosy and multiple myeloma.
Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on Medical Xpress: German drug firm makes 1st apology for thalidomide and Medical News Today: Thalidomide Apology 50 Years Later.
03.09.2012