Thalidomide was responsible for one of the biggest drug disasters in history. It is making a comeback. But is Africa equipped to handle this controversial drug?
Fewer than 3,000 thalidomide survivors are alive today.
David Shankbone/Flickr
Reactions to the thalidomiders’ difference contributed – and continue to contribute – to their negative well-being and deteriorating health.
Lynette Rowe’s lawyers successfully negotiated a multimillion dollar settlement, but not every compensation case is that successful.
Julian Smith/AAP Image
Decades have passed and yet the issue of financial compensation for the remaining “survivors” of the thalidomide tragedy has, in many instances, remained unresolved.
Michael Magazanik (left) with lead plaintiff Lynette Rowe, her mother and lawyer Peter Gordon during the trial in Melbourne.
AAP/Genevieve Gannon
Journalist-turned-lawyer Michael Magazanik worked on recent Australian thalidomide lawsuits. As part of our series on the drug, he spoke to Ian Freckelton about the book he wrote, based on the case.
Thalidomide was used by the pregnant women – the population that turned out to be most vulnerable to its risks.
Reuters pictures
Thalidomide’s manufacturer, Chemie Grünenthal, marketed the drug as safe for pregnant women despite reports it was causing malformations in newborns. Why such blatant denial?
Led a major campaign in the 1970s.
David Shankbone/Flickr
Sir Harold Evans talks to Richard Sambrook about The Sunday Times’ moral campaign against thalidomide’s manufacturers, the fight for political validation and the rise of investigative journalism.
Thalidomide was initially marketed for daytime use, first as a flu treatment, then as ain aid to reduce stress and anxiety.
1950sUnlimited/Flickr
Thalidomide caused thousands of spontaneous abortions and left more than 10,000 children severely disabled. What guarantee is there that the same thing can’t occur again today?
Assistant Director of Pharmacy, Mater Health SEQ in conjoint appointment as Associate Professor of Pharmacology, Bond University and as Associate Professor (Clinical), The University of Queensland