Abstract

THALIDOMIDE- A BANISHED DRUG RETURNS

Sravanthi Yerreddu*, S. Sundar, K. Padmalatha, Sashanka Karuparthi,
Mounika Peram and Sowmya Rebba

ABSTRACT

Thalidomide entered the market as a sedative and used widely all over the world by pregnant women because of its effective action as an anti-emetic in morning sickness. After knowing that thalidomide exhibits teratogenicity in pregnant women its use was reduced at first and gradually banned world widely by its effect on newborn children with abnormalities. After several decades even after knowing the impact of thalidomide, it re-emerged into the market as a novel and highly effective agent in the treatment of various inflammatory and malignant diseases. In the year 2006, its renewal had got a proof to be used in the market that is used to treat plasma cell myeloma. Related drug lenalidomide is used for hematological malignancies. Even though using the drug due to its tragic past it stimulated the FDA to keep an eye on its use worldwide. By reviewing recent clinical trials finally selected medical indications for the drug thalidomide with a focus on haematologic malignancies. It was unclear how thalidomide caused the teratogenic defect in the embryo. But thalidomide regained a second life and used in plasma cell myeloma when the mechanism of action was studied and better understood Research on the mechanism of action of thalidomide is leading to a better understanding of these molecules transits, safe drugs may be designed.

Keywords: Teratogenicity, Antiemetic, Sedative, Anti-tumour, Anti-inflammatory.