Thalidomide was a drug developed in the 1950s as a sleeping pill. It was later found to be effective at reducing morning sickness in pregnant women and was prescribed for this purpose. However, it caused serious limb defects in thousands of babies. Today, thalidomide is used in a strictly controlled way to treat a type of cancer called multiple myeloma. Describe how the tragedy of thalidomide changed the way new medicines are tested and developed.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Thalidomide was a drug developed in the 1950s as a sleeping pill. It was later found to be effective at reducing morning sickness in pregnant women and was prescribed for this purpose. However, it caused serious limb defects in thousands of babies. Today, thalidomide is used in a strictly controlled way to treat a type of cancer called multiple myeloma.
Model answer (4 marks)
1. Drugs are now tested more thoroughly and rigorously before approval.
2. They must be tested on animals first to check for harmful side effects.
3. Clinical trials on human volunteers are carried out in controlled stages.
4. A drug must be shown to be safe and effective, with acceptable side effects, before it can be prescribed widely.
2. They must be tested on animals first to check for harmful side effects.
3. Clinical trials on human volunteers are carried out in controlled stages.
4. A drug must be shown to be safe and effective, with acceptable side effects, before it can be prescribed widely.
Examiner tips
- Use the exact wording from the mark scheme; each point counts as one mark.
- Show the logical sequence: animal testing → controlled human trials → safety/effectiveness evidence.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up the order of testing stages; students often list human trials before animal tests.
- Using vague phrases like ‘carefully tested’ instead of the specific points required.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- Drugs must now be tested more thoroughly / rigorously before being approved for use
- Drugs must be tested on animals before being given to humans / to check for harmful side effects
- Clinical trials / testing on human volunteers must take place in controlled stages
- A drug must be shown to be safe and effective / have acceptable side effects before it can be prescribed widely
Key terms in this question
Related
- All WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Describe" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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