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A Molecule That Changed Our Ways - Model Kit Activity #2
Featured Molecule
The featured molecule in this model kit activity page is thalidomide. Thalidomide is a multi-use drug that was put on the market in Germany in 1957. The drug caused some major problems globally, and it ultimately changed one of the ways we evaluate new drugs. Interestingly, while the drug was used throughout Europe, it was never legal in the US, a fact that has historical significance.
Molecular Poesy
This molecule was in the news /
In nineteen sixties’ drug reviews. /
It was prescribed during pregnancy, /
And deformed babies we did see. /
This sad fact led to stricter rules /
For Testing our drug molecules. /
A hero in our USA /
Helped hold the sadness here at bay.
Molecular Prose
One of the uses of thalidomide was to treat pregnancy morning sickness. In Europe, did not take long to see the connection between this drug and birth defects. There were also other side effect issues with the drug. In the US, FDA pharmacologist Frances Oldham Kelsey did not approve the drug for marketing and distribution. Through due diligence, she picked up on drug company testing issues, and the thalidomide problem in the US was not as severe as in Europe. Kelsey was awarded the President's Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service by President John F. Kennedy in 1962. Thalidomide was marketed as the racemate, and it was believed that only one enantiomer was responsible for the side effects. This was never proven completey because in the human body thalidomide is easily racemized.
Here is the link to the activity page: Load Activity Page
Frances Kelsey shed light upon a serious problem. The featured demo video is a chemical reation that sheds light in the darkness.
