CNN World

Photos: History of Thalidomide

<< Previous   Next >>
Thalidomide pills were prescribed in the late 1950s for morning sickness and as a sedative. New Jersey-based Celgene Corp. won Food and Drug Agency approval to use the drug for a painful side-effect of leprosy known as erythema nodosum leprosum. It was banned in 1962 after causing birth defects.

Thalidomide pills were prescribed in the late 1950s for morning sickness and as a sedative. New Jersey-based Celgene Corp. won Food and Drug Agency approval to use the drug for a painful side-effect of leprosy known as erythema nodosum leprosum. It was banned in 1962 after causing birth defects.