Unveiling the Dark History of Thalidomide: A Shocking Episode in American History

by Jennifer Vanderbes, Author of Wonder Drug

In the late 1950s, a Cincinnati pharmaceutical firm, the William S. Merrell Company, began distributing samples of a new sedative, thalidomide, under the guise of clinical trials. But what seemed like a wonder drug was hiding a sinister truth. FDA medical reviewer Frances Kelsey grew suspicious when the application landed on her desk in 1960, and she soon discovered the drug’s devastating effects on pregnant women and their unborn babies.

Kelsey’s tireless efforts, along with a team of dedicated doctors, parents, and journalists, ultimately blocked thalidomide’s authorization in the United States and stopped its sale worldwide. But what about the American survivors of this pharmaceutical nightmare? Jennifer Vanderbes set out to tell the untold story of the victims, only to uncover a shocking truth that had been buried for decades.

The Sinister Truth Behind Thalidomide

For more than five years, several American pharmaceutical firms had distributed unmarked thalidomide samples in shoddy clinical trials, reaching tens of thousands of unwitting patients, including hundreds of pregnant women. Deceived by pharmaceutical firms, betrayed by doctors, and ignored by the government, most of these Americans had spent their lives unaware that thalidomide had caused their birth defects.

Vanderbes’ exhaustive research, including government and corporate archives, court records, and interviews with hundreds of key players, exposed the shocking extent of the scandal. Scores of Americans had likely been harmed by the drug, and their stories were finally being told.

A Voice for the Unrecognized Victims

Wonder Drug gives a voice to the victims of this epic scandal, shedding light on the deceptive practices of Big Pharma that continue to endanger lives today. This gripping account is a must-read for anyone concerned about the power of the pharmaceutical industry and the importance of government oversight.

Published by Random House Publishing Group on June 27, 2023, Wonder Drug is a haunting reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in the healthcare industry. With its shocking revelations and meticulous research, this book is set to become a landmark exposé of the American pharmaceutical industry.