# 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.

> WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales) — 2.6.3 Medicines and drugs · Describe · 4 marks

> 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.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Drugs must now be tested more thoroughly / rigorously before being approved for use
2. Drugs must be tested on animals before being given to humans / to check for harmful side effects
3. Clinical trials / testing on human volunteers must take place in controlled stages
4. A drug must be shown to be safe and effective / have acceptable side effects before it can be prescribed widely

## Key terms

- [thalidomide](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/thalidomide)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/thalidomide-was-a-drug-developed-in-5f718375) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.