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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsFrances Kelsey, FDA Officer Who Blocked Thalidomide, Dies At 101
Little late (AUGUST 08, 2015) but i don't think i saw this here.
Dr. Frances Oldham Kelsey, whose tireless efforts uncovered a link between the drug thalidomide and severe birth defects, has died at age 101.
In 1960, Kelsey was the new medical officer at the Food and Drug Administration when an application for FDA approval of the sedative Kevadon, the trade name of thalidomide, manufactured by drug company William S. Merrell Company of Cincinnati.
Thalidomide had already been sold to pregnant women in Europe and elsewhere as an anti-nausea drug to treat morning sickness, and Merrell wanted a license to do the same in the U.S.
As The New York Times reports, Kelsey asked for more information.
"Thus began a fateful test of wills. Merrell responded. Dr. Kelsey wanted more. Merrell complained to Dr. Kelsey's bosses, calling her a petty bureaucrat. She persisted. On it went. But by late 1961, the terrible evidence was pouring in." Thalidomide "was causing thousands of babies in Europe, Britain, Canada and the Middle East to be born with flipperlike arms and legs and other defects."
As The Washington Post adds, "[the] tragedy was largely averted in the United States, with much credit due to Kelsey. ... For a critical 19-month period, she fastidiously blocked its approval while drug company officials maligned her as a bureaucratic nitpicker."
olddots
(10,237 posts)we need her now .
TexasProgresive
(12,158 posts)1st it was to treat a complication of leprosy and that didn't work so now it is being prescribed for various cancers. This one just needs to be deep sixed.
GreatGazoo
(3,937 posts)and the safety of mothers and children.
cwydro
(51,308 posts)K and r.
irisblue
(33,023 posts)malaise
(269,157 posts)Rec
bedazzled
(1,769 posts)one of my heroes....