Thalidomide
Systematic (IUPAC) name
2-(2,6-dioxo-3-piperidyl)isoindole-1,3-dione
Identifiers
CAS number	50-35-1
ATC code	L04AX02
PubChem	5426
DrugBank	APRD01251
Chemical data
Formula	C13H10N2O4
Mol. mass	258. IUPAC Nomenclature is a system of naming Chemical compounds and of describing the science of Chemistry in general CAS registry numbers are unique numerical identifiers for Chemical compounds Polymers biological sequences mixtures and Alloys They are also referred to The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System is used for the classification of drugs It is controlled by the WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug A section of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System. PubChem is a Database of chemical Molecules The system is maintained by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI a component The DrugBank database available at the University of Alberta is a unique Bioinformatics and Cheminformatics resource that combines detailed drug (i A chemical formula is a way of expressing information about the Atoms that constitute a particular Chemical compound, and how the relationship between those atoms changes Carbon (kɑɹbən is a Chemical element with the symbol C and its Atomic number is 6 Hydrogen (ˈhaɪdrədʒən is the Chemical element with Atomic number 1 Nitrogen (ˈnaɪtɹəʤɪn is a Chemical element that has the symbol N and Atomic number 7 and Atomic weight 14 Oxygen (from the Greek roots ὀξύς (oxys (acid literally "sharp" from the taste of acids and -γενής (-genēs (producer literally begetteris the The molecular mass (abbreviated m of a substance, more commonly referred to as molecular weight and abbreviated as MW, is the Mass of one 23 g/mol
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Protein binding	55% and 66% for the (+)-R and (–)-S enantiomers, respectively
Metabolism	?
Half life	mean ranges from approximately 5 to 7 hours following a single dose; not altered with multiple doses
Excretion	?
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	X(AU) X(US)
Legal status	℞ Prescription only
Routes	oral

Thalidomide is a sedative-hypnotic, and multiple myeloma medication. In Pharmacology, bioavailability is used to describe the fraction of an administered Dose of unchanged drug that reaches the Systemic circulation, one of A drug's efficiency may be affected by the degree to which it binds to the proteins within Blood plasma. Drug metabolism is the Metabolism of drugs, their Biochemical modification or degradation usually through specialized enzymatic systems The biological half-life of a substance is the time it takes for a substance (drug radioactive nuclide or other to lose half of its pharmacologic physiologic or radiologic activity Excretion is the process of eliminating waste products of Metabolism and other non-useful materials The pregnancy category of a pharmaceutical agent is an assessment of the risk of fetal injury due to the pharmaceutical if it is used as directed by the mother during For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The regulation of therapeutic goods, that is drugs and therapeutic devices, varies by jurisdiction In Pharmacology and Toxicology, a route A sedative, or more specifically a sedative-hypnotic, is a substance that depresses the Central nervous system (CNS resulting in calmness relaxation sleepiness For the state of mind see Hypnosis. Hypnotic drugs induce Sleep (which differentiates them from the Sedative Multiple myeloma (also known as MM, myeloma, plasma cell myeloma, or as Kahler's disease after Otto Kahler) is a type of Medication, also referred to as medicine, can be loosely defined as any substance intended for use in the diagnosis cure mitigation treatment or prevention of disease The drug is a potent teratogen in white New Zealand rabbits at 25 to 300 times the recommended human dose, some non-human primates at ten times the recommended dose; most breeds of mice and rats are extremely resistant to thalidomide teratogenesis. Teratology stems from the Greek ( Genitive) meaning monster, or marvel and, meaning word, speech. A primate is a member of the biological order Primates ( Latin: "prime first rank" the group that contains Lemurs the Aye-aye It was proven teratogenic in humans who ingested the drug during their first trimester of pregnancy at the normally prescribed dose: this means that severe birth defects may result if the drug is taken during pregnancy ^[1].

Thalidomide, 2-(2,6-dioxopiperidin-3-yl)-1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione, was developed by German pharmaceutical company Grünenthal in Stolberg (Rhineland) near Aachen. Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. Stolberg (ʃtɔlbeʀk is a town in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. ( Ripuarian: Oche, Dutch: Aken, Spanish: Aquisgrán, Italian: Aquisgrana, French, It was sold from 1957 to 1961 in almost 50 countries under at least 40 names, including Distaval, Talimol, Nibrol, Sedimide, Quietoplex, Contergan, Neurosedyn, and Softenon. Thalidomide was chiefly sold and prescribed during the late 1950s and early 1960s to pregnant women, as an antiemetic to combat morning sickness and as an aid to help them sleep. Pregnancy ( Latin graviditas) is the carrying of one or more offspring known as a Fetus or Embryo, inside the Uterus of a Female An anti-emetic is a drug that is effective against Vomiting and Nausea. Morning sickness, also called Nausea, Vomiting of Pregnancy ( emesis gravidarum or NVP) or pregnancy sickness Before its release, inadequate tests were performed to assess the drug's safety, with catastrophic results for the children of women who had taken thalidomide during their pregnancies.

From 1956 to 1962, approximately 10,000 children were born with severe malformities, including phocomelia, because their mothers had taken thalidomide during pregnancy. Phocomelia (from Greek φώκη = "seal" plus μέλος (plural μέλεα = "limb" is a Congenital disorder involving the limbs ( Dysmelia ^[2] In 1962, in reaction to the tragedy, the United States Congress enacted laws requiring tests for safety during pregnancy before a drug can receive approval for sale in the U. The United States Congress is the bicameral Legislature of the federal government of the United States of America, consisting of two houses S. ^[3] Other countries enacted similar legislation, and thalidomide was not prescribed or sold for decades.

Researchers, however, continued to work with the drug. Soon after its banishment, an Israeli doctor discovered anti-inflammatory effects of thalidomide and began to look for uses of the medication despite its teratogenic effects. Teratology stems from the Greek ( Genitive) meaning monster, or marvel and, meaning word, speech. He found that patients with erythema nodosum leprosum, a painful skin condition associated with leprosy, experienced relief of their pain by taking thalidomide. Erythema nodosum (EN ( red nodules) is an Inflammation of the fat cells under the skin ( Panniculitis) Leprosy (from the Greek lepi (λέπι meaning scales on a fish or Hansen's disease, is a chronic disease caused by the bacterium Further work conducted in 1991 by Dr. Gilla Kaplan at Rockefeller University in New York City showed that thalidomide worked in leprosy by inhibiting tumor necrosis factor alpha. ^[4] Kaplan partnered with Celgene Corporation to further develop the potential for thalidomide. Subsequent research has shown that it is effective in multiple myeloma, and it was approved by the FDA for use in this malignancy. Multiple myeloma (also known as MM, myeloma, plasma cell myeloma, or as Kahler's disease after Otto Kahler) is a type of Cancer (medical term Malignant Neoplasm) is a class of Diseases in which a group of cells display uncontrolled The FDA has also since approved the drug's use in the treatment of erythema nodosum leprosum. Erythema nodosum (EN ( red nodules) is an Inflammation of the fat cells under the skin ( Panniculitis) There are studies underway to determine the drug's effects on arachnoiditis and several types of cancers. Arachnoiditis is a neuropathic disease caused by the Inflammation of the arachnoid, one of the membranes that surround and protect the Nerves Cancer (medical term Malignant Neoplasm) is a class of Diseases in which a group of cells display uncontrolled However, physicians and patients alike must go through a special process to prescribe and receive thalidomide (S. A physician, medical practitioner or medical doctor who practices Medicine, and is concerned with maintaining or restoring human Health T. E. P. S and RevAssist) to ensure no more children are born with birth defects traceable to the medication. Celgene Corporation has also developed analogues to thalidomide, such as lenalidomide, that are substantially more powerful and have fewer side effects - except for greater myelosuppression. Lenalidomide (initially known as CC-5013 and marketed as Revlimid by Celgene) is a derivative of Thalidomide introduced in 2004. Bone marrow suppression or myelotoxicity (adjective myelotoxic) is a serious side-effect of Chemotherapy and certain drugs affecting the immune system ^[5]

History

A German pharmaceutical company, Chemie Grünenthal at Stolberg, synthesized thalidomide in West Germany in 1953. Stolberg (ʃtɔlbeʀk is a town in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. West Germany ( Inf German: Westdeutschland or West-Deutschland) was the common English name for the Federal Republic of Germany ( It had accidentally been discovered during a search for cheap antibiotics, but was soon marketed with little evidence as a sedative. In modern usage an antibiotic is a Chemotherapeutic agent with activity against Microorganisms such as Bacteria, fungi or Protozoa A sedative, or more specifically a sedative-hypnotic, is a substance that depresses the Central nervous system (CNS resulting in calmness relaxation sleepiness ^[6]

Thalidomide today

FDA approval

On July 16, 1998, the FDA approved the use of thalidomide for the treatment of lesions associated with erythema nodosum leprosum. Because of thalidomide’s potential for causing birth defects, the distribution of thalidomide was permitted only under tightly controlled conditions. The FDA required that Celgene Corporation, which planned to market thalidomide under the brand name Thalomid, to establish a System for Thalidomide Education and Prescribing Safety (S. T. E. P. S) oversight program. The S. T. E. P. S program includes limiting prescription and dispensing rights only to authorized prescribers and pharmacies, extensive patient education about the risks associated with thalidomide, periodic pregnancy tests, and a patient registry. ^[7]

"On May 26, 2006, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval for thalidomide (Thalomid, Celgene Corporation) in combination with dexamethasone for the treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Multiple myeloma (also known as MM, myeloma, plasma cell myeloma, or as Kahler's disease after Otto Kahler) is a type of " ^[8] The FDA approval came seven years after the first reports of efficacy in the medical literature^[9] and Celgene took advantage of "off-label" marketing opportunities to promote the drug in advance of its FDA approval for the myeloma indication. Thalomid, as the drug is commercially known, sold over $300 million per year, while only approved for leprosy. ^[10]

Thalidomide was and, as of 2006, still is an important advance in the treatment of multiple myeloma, ever since news of its efficacy appeared in the Desikan et al. report. ^[9] The drug has some bothersome side effects such as neuropathy, constipation and fatigue, but is likely more effective than standard chemotherapy for multiple myeloma. Thalidomide, along with another new drug, bortezomib, is changing multiple myeloma treatment, such that stem cell transplants may no longer be the standard treatment for this incurable malignancy. Bortezomib (originally PS-341 and marketed as Velcade by Millennium Pharmaceuticals) is the first therapeutic Proteasome inhibitor to be tested in humans

Possible indications

Research on thalidomide slowed in the 1960s, but never stopped. At least one university in the United States pursues thalidomide research, even though performed by only one tenured professor. The medication is an example of how potentially dangerous compounds can be used therapeutically with appropriate precautions and procedures.

In 1964 Israeli physician Jacob Sheskin was trying to help a critically ill French patient with erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL), a painful complication of leprosy. Leprosy (from the Greek lepi (λέπι meaning scales on a fish or Hansen's disease, is a chronic disease caused by the bacterium He searched his small hospital for anything to help his patient stop aching long enough to sleep. He found a bottle of thalidomide tablets, and remembered that it had been effective in helping mentally ill patients sleep, and also that it was banned. Sheskin administered two tablets of thalidomide, and the patient slept for hours, and was able to get out of bed without aid upon awakening. The result was followed by more favorable experiences, and followed by a clinical trial. Dr. Sheskin's drug of last resort revolutionized the care of leprosy, and led to the closing of most leprosy hospitals. ^[6]

Serious infections including sepsis and tuberculosis cause the level of Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) to rise. Sepsis is a serious medical condition characterized by a whole-body inflammatory state (called a Systemic inflammatory response syndrome or SIRS caused Tuberculosis (abbreviated as TB for tubercle bacillus or T u' b' erculosis Bacillus --> is a common Tumor necrosis factor ( TNF, cachexin or cachectin and formally known as Tumor necrosis factor-alpha) is a Cytokine involved in systemic TNFα is a chemical mediator in the body, and it may enhance the wasting process in cancer patients as well. Thalidomide may reduce the levels of TNFα, and it is possible that the drug's effect on ENL is caused by this mechanism. ^[3]

Thalidomide also has potent anti-inflammatory effects that may help ENL patients. In July 1998, the FDA approved the application of Celgene to distribute thalidomide under the brand name Thalomid for treatment of ENL. Celgene Corporation is a manufacturer of drug therapies for cancer and inflammatory disorders Pharmion Corporation, who licensed the rights to market Thalidomide in Europe, Australia and various other territories from Celgene, received approval for its use against multiple myeloma in Australia and New Zealand in 2003. Multiple myeloma (also known as MM, myeloma, plasma cell myeloma, or as Kahler's disease after Otto Kahler) is a type of ^[11] Thalomid, in conjunction with dexamethasone, is now standard therapy for multiple myeloma. Dexamethasone is a potent synthetic member of the glucocorticoid class of Steroid Hormones It acts as an Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant

Thalidomide also inhibits the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), which may be useful in treating macular degeneration and other diseases. Angiogenesis is a physiological process involving the growth of new Blood vessels from pre-existing vessels Macular degeneration is a medical condition usually of older adults which results in a loss of vision in the center of the visual field (the Macula) because This effect helps AIDS patients with Kaposi's sarcoma, although there are better and cheaper drugs to treat the condition. Kaposi's sarcoma (KS is a tumor caused by Human herpesvirus 8 ( HHV8) also known as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV Thalidomide may be able to fight painful, debilitating aphthous lesions in the mouth and esophagus of AIDS patients which prevent them from eating. The FDA formed a Thalidomide Working Group in 1994 to provide consistency between its divisions, with particular emphasis on safety monitoring. The agency also imposed severe restrictions on the distribution of Thalomid through the System for Thalidomide Education and Prescribing Safety (STEPS) program. ^[3]

Thalidomide is also being investigated for treating symptoms of prostate cancer, glioblastoma, lymphoma, arachnoiditis, Behçet's disease, and Crohn's disease. Glioblastoma multiforme ( GBM) is the most common and most aggressive type of primary Brain Tumor, accounting for 52% of all primary brain tumor Lymphoma a type of Neoplasm that originates in Lymphocytes (a type of White blood cell in the vertebrate Immune system) Arachnoiditis is a neuropathic disease caused by the Inflammation of the arachnoid, one of the membranes that surround and protect the Nerves Behçet disease (Behçet's syndrome Morbus Behçet, silk road disease (bɛˈtʃɛt (enPR bĕCHĔT is a chronic condition due to disturbances in the body’s Immune In a small trial, Australian researchers found thalidomide sparked a doubling of the number of T cells in patients, allowing the patients' own immune system to attack cancer cells. T cells belong to a group of White blood cells known as Lymphocytes, and play a central role in Cell-mediated immunity. An immune system is a collection of mechanisms within an Organism that protects against Disease by identifying and killing Pathogens and Tumor

On October 5, 2007, Thierry Facon, specialist in blood diseases at Lille University, France who led a research, stated that: "The main message is the addition of thalidomide is able to improve survival. Events 869 - The Fourth Council of Constantinople is convened to decide about what to do about Patriarch Photius of Constantinople Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. Elderly patients with an aggressive form of blood cancer lived about 20 months longer when given the drug thalidomide as part of their treatment. " The drug also slowed the spread of myeloma and had also been approved to treat leprosy. Multiple myeloma (also known as MM, myeloma, plasma cell myeloma, or as Kahler's disease after Otto Kahler) is a type of Leprosy (from the Greek lepi (λέπι meaning scales on a fish or Hansen's disease, is a chronic disease caused by the bacterium ^[12]

Teratogenic mechanism

The two enantiomers of thalidomide:
Left: (S)-thalidomide
Right: (R)-thalidomide

Thalidomide is racemic – it contains both left- and right-handed isomers in equal amounts. In Chemistry, a racemic mixture, or racemate, is one that has equal amounts of left- and right-handed enantiomers of a chiral This article is about the chemical concept For "isomerism" of atomic nuclei see Nuclear isomer. The (R) enantiomer is effective against morning sickness. The term chiral (pronounced /ˈkaɪɹ(əl̩/ is used to describe an object that is non- superimposable on its mirror image The (S) is teratogenic and causes birth defects. Teratology stems from the Greek ( Genitive) meaning monster, or marvel and, meaning word, speech. The enantiomers can interconvert in vivo – that is, if a human is given pure (R)-thalidomide or (S)-thalidomide, both isomers can be found in the serum – therefore, administering only one enantiomer will not prevent the teratogenic effect in humans. In vivo ( Latin: within the living means that which takes place inside an organism. Blood plasma is the Liquid component of Blood, in which the Blood cells are suspended The mechanism of its biological action is being debated, with current literature that suggests that it intercalates into DNA in G-C rich regions. In Chemistry, intercalation is the reversible inclusion of a Molecule (or group between two other molecules (or groups Deoxyribonucleic acid ( DNA) is a Nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known Guanine is one of the five main Nucleobases found in the Nucleic acids DNA and RNA, the others being Adenine, Cytosine, Cytosine is one of the five main bases found in DNA and RNA. It is a Pyrimidine derivative with a Heterocyclic Aromatic ring

Other side effects

Apart from its infamous tendency to induce birth defects and peripheral neuropathy, the main side effects of thalidomide include fatigue and constipation. Constipation, costiveness, or irregularity, is a condition of the Digestive system in which a person (or animal experiences hard Feces that It also is associated with an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis especially when combined with dexamethasone, as it is for treatment of multiple myeloma. In Medicine, deep vein thrombosis (also known as deep-vein thrombosis or deep venous thrombosis and usually abbreviated as DVT) is the formation Dexamethasone is a potent synthetic member of the glucocorticoid class of Steroid Hormones It acts as an Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant High doses can lead to pulmonary edema, atelectasis, aspiration pneumonia and refractory hypotension. Pulmonary Edema (American English or oedema (British English is swelling and/or fluid accumulation in the Lungs It leads to impaired gas exchange and may cause Atelectasis is a collapse of lung tissue affecting part or all of one lung Aspiration pneumonia is Bronchopneumonia that develops due to the entrance of foreign materials that enter the bronchial tree usually oral or gastric contents (including food In Physiology and Medicine, hypotension refers to an abnormally low Blood pressure. In multiple myeloma patients, concomitant use with zoledronic acid may lead to increased incidence of renal dysfunction.

Thalidomide analogs

The exploration of the antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory activities of thalidomide has led to the study and creation of thalidomide analogs. An angiogenesis inhibitor is a substance that inhibits Angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels For other uses see Analog (disambiguation. In Chemistry, analogs or analogues are compounds in which one or In 2005, Celgene received FDA approval for lenalidomide (Revlimid) as the first commercially useful derivative. Lenalidomide (initially known as CC-5013 and marketed as Revlimid by Celgene) is a derivative of Thalidomide introduced in 2004. Revlimid is only available in a restricted distribution setting to avoid its use during pregnancy. Further studies are conducted to find safer compounds with useful qualities. Another analog, Actimid (CC-4047), is in the clinical trial phase. ^[13] These thalidomide analogs can be used to treat different diseases, or used in a regimen to fight two conditions.

Notable children affected

• Mat Fraser, a comedian, actor, co-presenter of the BBC's Ouch Podcast
• Alvin Law, a motivational speaker and former radio broadcaster
• Tony Meléndez is a guitarist who was born without arms. Mat Fraser (born 1962 is a Rock musician Actor and Performance artist Between 1980 and 1995 he was a Drummer with several rock bands including Alvin Law (born 1960 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan) is a Motivational speaker and former Radio broadcaster. Tony Meléndez (born 1962 is a Nicaraguan American Guitar player composer and Singer and Songwriter who was born without arms He plays only with his feet
• Thomas Quasthoff is a bass-baritone singer
• Terry Wiles internationally known through On Giants' Shoulders', a book and film about his life. Thomas Quasthoff (born in Hildesheim, Germany, November 9, 1959) is a German Bass-baritone generally regarded as one of Terry (Terrence Wiles was born in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England on January 12 1962.

Thalidomide in literature, music and arts

• On Giant's Shoulders: The Story of Terry Wiles (ISBN 0-7230-0146-4) by Marjorie Wallace, a book & movie about the life of Terry Wiles. Marjorie Shiona Wallace CBE (Countess Skarbek (born 1944 in Nairobi, Kenya) is an award-winning British writer broadcaster and investigative Terry (Terrence Wiles was born in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England on January 12 1962.
• Peter Milligan and Brendan McCarthy's short graphic novel Skin (1992) features a teenage skinhead who is a child of thalidomide. Peter Milligan is an British writer best known for his Comic book, film and television work Brendan McCarthy is a British artist and designer best known for his work in Comic books, film and television A A skinhead is a member of a Subculture that originated among Working class youths in the United Kingdom in the 1960s and then spread to other parts of
• Martin Luther King Jr., in "Letter From A Birmingham City Jail," compares the white moderate position of waiting for civil rights gains to occur over time as a "tranquilizing thalidomide" with deleterious long-term effects and dubious efficacy. Martin Luther King Jr ( January 15, 1929 April 4, 1968) was an American clergyman, Activist and prominent leader
• The Punk rock band NOFX wrote a song entitled "Thalidomide Child". NOFX (pronounced "no ef-ex") is an American Punk rock band that was formed in Los Angeles California (now based in San Francisco Another song referencing thalidomide is "She's Nubs". NOFX sing about their love for a girl with no arms or legs, just "Nubs" as they put it.
• The song "We Didn't Start the Fire" by Billy Joel mentions ". " We Didn't Start the Fire " is a song by Billy Joel that makes reference to a catalog of headline events during his lifetime from March 1949 to 1989 when the William Martin Joel (born May 9 1949 is an American Pianist and Singer-songwriter. . . children of thalidomide".
• The novel Mount Dragon by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child contains a computer hacker character named Mime who is a thalidomide survivor. Mount Dragon is a 1996 Techno-thriller novel by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. Douglas Preston (born 1956 in Cambridge Massachusetts) is an Author of several Techno-thriller and horror Novels alone Lincoln Child (born 1957 is an Author of Techno-thriller and horror Novels Often paired with writing partner Douglas Preston, many
• The poem "Thalidomide" by Sylvia Plath
• Douglas Coupland's novel All Families are Psychotic refers to thalidomide. Sylvia Plath (October 27 1932 &ndash February 11 1963 was an American Poet, Novelist and Short story Writer. Douglas Coupland (born December 30, 1961) is a Canadian Novelist.
• The short story "Fortune's Always Hiding" by Irvine Welsh in the novel Ecstasy: Three Tales of Chemical Romance (1996) is a story of revenge-seeking thalidomide victims. Irvine Welsh (born 27 September 1958 Leith, Edinburgh) is a contemporary Scottish novelist, best known for his novel Trainspotting Ecstasy Three Tales of Chemical Romance is a collection of three Novellas by Irvine Welsh.
• "Left Behind" by Slipknot makes reference to Thalidomide, "I can't stand to see your thalidomide robot face". Slipknot is an American band from Des Moines Iowa. Slipknot consists of nine members the current band members are Sid
• "The drugs song" by Amateur Transplants advises "if you're up the duff you'd best avoid Thalidomide". Amateur Transplants are a London based British Parody musical duo consisting of medical professionals Dr
• Although Geek Love by Katherine Dunn never actually mentions thalidomide the eldest child, Arturo, suffers from phocomelia. Geek Love is also a single from American singer Fan 3 and a song by Bang Bang Machine. Katherine Dunn is a best-selling Novelist, Journalist, voice artist radio personality book reviewer and Poet from Portland Oregon.
• Several books by Philip K. Dick feature thalidomide phocomeli. Philip Kindred Dick (December 16 – March 2) was an American Science fiction Novelist and Short story Writer.
• One of the main characters in Steven Harriman's novel, Sleeper, was a thalidomide child and uses a mechanical arm that senses the movements of his "tiny arm"
• In the movie Brain Candy, a pharmaceutical company is asking several discovery scientists if their drug is ready. Brain Candy (aka Kids in the Hall Brain Candy) is a feature film by The Kids in the Hall, a popular Canadian comedy troupe One of them is seen being dragged out of the boardroom screaming, "It was only a couple of flipper babies!", meaning the drug was like thalidomide.
• In the video game, Scratches, the climax involves finding the Blackwood son imprisoned in the basement, having been born deformed by Thalidomide poisoning. Scratches is a mystery adventure Computer game by game developer Nucleosys.
• In "Lost in Parking Space, Part Two", an episode of the animated show Drawn Together, the UPS driver is thrown out of the Satan Mobile by Princess Clara into Thalidomide Lake, and is surrounded by deformed flippers. " Lost in Parking Space Part Two " is the thirtieth episode of the Animated television series Drawn Together. Drawn Together is an American Animated television series, which ran on Comedy Central from October 27, 2004 to November
• In the Australian clay-mation, Harvie Krumpet, the protagonist Harvie Krumpet's adopted daughter is a 'thalidomide baby'. Harvie Krumpet is an Australian Claymation, made in Melbourne by Adam Elliot (Melodrama Pictures She grows up to become a lawyer who fights for disabled people's rights.
• Mat Fraser wrote and performed in Thalidomide!! A Musical which opened in London in 2005, and featured the song "It's Hard to Hitch Down Life’s Highway With No Thumbs". Mat Fraser (born 1962 is a Rock musician Actor and Performance artist Between 1980 and 1995 he was a Drummer with several rock bands including Thalidomide!! A Musical is a British musical written and composed by Mat Fraser, who was born disabled as a result
• Comedian/Musician Tim Minchin in his song "Some People Have It Worse Than I" identifies a thalidomide kid with something in his eye as having it worse. Tim Minchin (born October 7 1975 is an Australian Comedian, Actor and Musician.
• The movie Scanners draws from the Thalidomide tragedy. Scanners is a 1981 action / Science fiction / Horror film written and directed by David Cronenberg. The plot involves the children of women who have been prescribed a fictional drug named "ephemerol" while they were pregnant. The effects of the drug caused the unborn children to develop powerful psychic abilities.
• Prince Charles has raised controversy by warning of the use of nanotechnology, saying it would be "surprising" if it did not "offer similar upsets" to thalidomide^[14].
• In an episode of Breaking Bad, Walter White explains the concept of chirality to his high school chemistry class by describing both isomers of thalidomide and their vastly different effects. Breaking Bad is an American Television drama series created by Vince Gilligan.

References

Further reading

• Stephens, Trent; Brynner, Rock (2001-12-24). Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. Events 563 - The Byzantine church Hagia Sophia in Constantinople is dedicated for the second time after being destroyed by Earthquakes Dark Remedy: The Impact of Thalidomide and Its Revival as a Vital Medicine. Perseus. ISBN 0-7382-0590-7.  

• Knightley, Phillip; Evans, Harold. Potter, Elaine. Wallace, Marjorie. (1979). Suffer The Children: The Story of Thalidomide. New York: The Viking Press. ISBN 0-670-68114-8.  

External links

• Thalidomide product monograph (Needs registration)
• Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation article on Thalidomide
• International Myeloma Foundation article on Thalidomide
• Thalidomide — Annotated List of Links (covering English and German pages)
• WHO Pharmaceuticals Newsletter No. 2, 2003 - See page 11, Feature Article
• Grünenthal GmbH - Thalidomide
• Celgene website on Thalomid
• The Return of Thalidomide - BBC
• CBC Digital Archives – Thalidomide: Bitter Pills, Broken Promises
• Thalidomide UK
• The Thalidomide Trust
• "The Big Pitch: How would you conduct a campaign for the new Thalidomide Drugs?", forum of pharmaceutical and medical marketing professionals commenting on how they would address the Thalidomine controversies.