This was a tough read for me because of the theme, portraying events which occurred during my childhood and could have happened to me or one of my younger brothers. The writing and research are very good, it's the depicted carelessness and lack of integrity on the part of some elements of the pharmaceutical industry, not to mention the poorly drafted regulations in place to intercept such a disaster, that made it a difficult thing to read about. The story needed to be told, and it should never happen again. If you have ever wondered about the slow pace of drug approval by the FDA, well, here are the reasons. It is helpful to know that at least some of the victims came out of it to live "normal" lives, but so many others were lost forever. I'm still at a loss for words here, so I apologize if this is a poor review, but even now I have a hard time just thinking about it. ( )

A heartbreaking story of the thalidomide scandal, with an emphasis on its impact in the US. The narrative in the US has been that we were lucky to avoid what other countries went through, as the FDA never approved the drug. However, prior to rigorous clinical trial laws, many doctors were given thalidomide and distributed it to thousands of patients. (It was never sold in the US, that's true, but it certainly was given away.)

This book really shows why regulation is important. Without it, people do not do the right thing, and that story goes back decades and even centuries. Also, if you were thinking "what kind of pharma shit-show would be complete without the Sacklers?" don't worry, they show up in this book. ( )

Wonder Drug by Jennifer Vanderbes looks at the controversial drug Thalidomide beginning with its origins, use, and problems in Europe then shifting to what happened in the US. Even if you think you know something about the Thalidomide mess, Vanderbes’ exhaustive research and clear writing style are sure to shed light on new aspects. Her unblinking view of the drug industry and government failings leaves no doubt about her bias, but the source materials and research are undeniable. Wonder Drug is a good choice for readers of nonfiction interested in politics, medicine, and the 1950s and 1960s. ( )

Wonder Drug: The Secret History of Thalidomide in America and Its Hidden Victims by Jennifer Vanderbes is a very highly recommended, thoroughly researched investigation of thalidomide in the US and beyond.

Thalidomide represents a shocking and alarming example of pharmaceutical negligence. Many people know of the severe birth defects suffered by babies in Germany and England when pregnant women were given the supposedly safe thalidomide early in their pregnancies. Few know that in 1959 the William S. Merrell Company was distributing samples of it to doctors for clinical trials. The company describing it as a sedative without risks and said that its approval by the Food and Drug Administration was sure to be soon.

However, in 1960 when FDA medical reviewer Frances Kelsey was reviewing the application for thalidomide she wanted more data and testing documentation to prove the many claims being made about the drug. Soon it became clear to her that the research on side effects was shoddy and incomplete. The safety claims were reckless. Then she learned about the severe birth abnormalities abroad. She and other fought to block the authorization of the drug in the USA.

What was not immediately known was that this "wonder drug" was still distributed to thousands of women in the US through the free samples given to doctors. The records of who these doctors gave the thalidomide to were incomplete or nonexistent. Most of the American victims of thalidomide were unknown or unable to prove they were given the drug. The pharmaceutical companies in the USA were never held accountable for the damage their "drug trials" did to people.

Wonder Drug is very well-written investigative journalism. The details are gripping and all of the historical facts are researched and documented. To help readers follow the story of this world-wide big pharma negligence, a list of people involved is in the front of the book so readers can keep all the personalities separate. This is a must-read, especially for those who are interested in history and details concerning a medical scandal of epic proportions.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Random House via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2023/06/wonder-drug.html ( )