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'Wonder Drug' traces the dark history of thalidomide and the birth defects it caused

'Wonder Drug' traces the dark history of thalidomide and the birth defects it caused

FromNPR's Book of the Day


'Wonder Drug' traces the dark history of thalidomide and the birth defects it caused

FromNPR's Book of the Day

ratings:
Length:
7 minutes
Released:
Jul 5, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode

Description

In the 1960s, FDA inspector Frances Kelsey was assigned her first drug to review: thalidomide. Her thorough investigation led her to discover that the drug had caused pregnant women to bear babies with birth defects around the world – including in the U.S., where the drug had been distributed in clinical trials. Jennifer Vanderbes' new book, Wonder Drug, looks back on that chapter of American history. In today's episode, she tells NPR's Ayesha Rascoe how big and unregulated the pharmaceutical industry was at that time, and how patients suffered the consequences.
Released:
Jul 5, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode

Titles in the series (100)

In need of a good read? Or just want to keep up with the books everyone's talking about? NPR's Book of the Day gives you today's very best writing in a snackable, skimmable, pocket-sized podcast. Whether you're looking to engage with the big questions of our times – or temporarily escape from them – we've got an author who will speak to you, all genres, mood and writing styles included. Catch today's great books in 15 minutes or less.