Thalidomide (Discovery of Drugs)

HISTORICALLY: - Thalidomide was developed as a sleeping pill and was also thought to be useful for easing morning sickness in pregnant women - Caused unexpected serious damage to unborn babies in 1950-60's (especially if it had been taken in the first 4-8 weeks of pregnancy). More than 10,000 babies were affected around the world. Also caused babies legs/arms to be very short. - As a result of this disaster, thalidomide was banned & drug testing was also made more rigorous than before TODAY: -Thalidomide is now used as a treatment for leprosy and bone cancer - Its use is heavily regulated to prevent a repeat of the problems it caused in the last century