Episode 1 - The Tragedy

Nazis, cover-ups, and tens of thousands of innocent victims. The first episode of Anecdotal tells the story of thalidomide, the deadly drug that caused untold suffering to women everywhere and transformed pharmaceutical laws around the world. Join me as I explore the history of synthetic drugs and the life-saving work of one heroic woman.

Also discussed: the medical breakthrough that could spell the end of severe morning sickness in pregnancy.

Special thanks to Jonathan Skourletos for the audio production support.

Episode sources:

1. Jennifer Vanderbes (2023) Wonder Drug: The Hidden Victims of America’s Hidden Thalidomide Scandal

2. Michael Magazanik (2015) Silent Shock: The Men Behind the Thalidomide Scandal and an Australian Family's Long Road to Justice

3. https://www.pm.gov.au/media/national-apology-all-australians-impacted-thalidomide-tragedy

4. IN FULL: Anthony Albanese delivers national apology to thalidomide survivors | ABC News

5. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/13/health/morning-sickness-hyperemesis-gravidarum.html

6. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06921-9

7. https://thalidomidestories.com/story/other-notables/historical-figures/heinrich-muckter/

8. https://www.bmj.com/content/362/bmj.k3415

9. https://www.nytimes.com/1962/08/02/archives/drug-market-guardian-frances-oldham-kelsey.html

10. https://www.who.int/teams/regulation-prequalification/regulation-and-safety/pharmacovigilance/networks/pidm