Dark remedy : the impact of thalidomide and its revival as a vital medicine

Author(s)

Bibliographic Information

Dark remedy : the impact of thalidomide and its revival as a vital medicine

Trent Stephens and Rock Brynner

Perseus, 2001

  • : hbk

Available at  / 6 libraries

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Note

Includes bibliographical references and index

Description and Table of Contents

Volume

: hbk ISBN 9780738204048

Description

The incredible story of how thalidomide-a substance that maimed, even killed, thousands-may prove to be the next miracle drug. . A remarkable medicine is now available that can successfully treat millions of people with multiple myeloma, brain tumors and other cancers, arthritis, lupus, Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, leprosy, tuberculosis, and AIDS. It's thalidomide-a drug with a chilling history. In the 1950s, this "safe" sedative was all the rage in Europe. Then one baby was born without ears, another with stunted limbs, then another with no limbs at all. In all, ten thousand severely deformed babies were born before thalidomide was banned. But two years ago, this brutal toxin was approved by the FDA. How did the most infamous drug of all time become one of the major players in modern medicine?In this irresistible medical detective story, Trent Stephens and Rock Brynner recount the history of thalidomide, a fascinating tale filled with villains and heroes, and bring us up to the present day, as scientists-Stephens among them-work to create and test an alternative drug that captures thalidomide's curative properties without its cruel side effects. The chronicle of a tragic chapter in the history of public health, Dark Remedy ends with great promise, as we put thalidomide to work for us, in the treatment of over a hundred diseases.
Volume

ISBN 9780738205908

Description

In this riveting medical detective story, Trent Stephens and Rock Brynner recount the history of thalidomide, from the epidemic of birth defects in the 1960's to the present day, as scientists work to create and test an alternative drug that captures thalidomide's curative properties without its cruel side effects. A parable about compassion-and the absence of it-Dark Remedy is a gripping account of thalidomide's extraordinary impact on the lives of individuals and nations over half a century.

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Details

  • NCID
    BA66471056
  • ISBN
    • 0738205907
    • 9780738204048
  • Country Code
    us
  • Title Language Code
    eng
  • Text Language Code
    eng
  • Place of Publication
    Cambridge, Mass.
  • Pages/Volumes
    xii, 228 p.
  • Size
    21 cm
  • Classification
  • Subject Headings
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