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Scientists have discovered the primary mechanism by which thalidomide causes malformed limbs in developing embryos
Thalidomide effect mystery solved
Seeded on Thu Mar 11, 2010 4:27 PM EST
Article Source: BBC News- Enjoy this article? Help vote it up the 'Vine.
- Public Discussion (3)
Thalidomide can be effective in the treatment of certain cancers and leprosy, but its infamous side-effect, which is known as teratogenicity, mean that for women its use remains risky and controversial.
Medical researchers would therefore like to develop drugs that mimic the action of thalidomide, but do not affect limb development.
#1 - Thu Mar 11, 2010 4:28 PM ESTWouldn't it be fine if the person treated (for cancer or leperosy) was past their child bearing years or didn't ever want to have kids? Aren't there a lot of drugs that can't be used by women that can become pregnant?
The effect was known in the 50s. It has taken half a century to know the mechanism of action.
#2 - Fri Mar 12, 2010 6:41 PM ESTYou're in Easy Mode. If you prefer, you can use XHTML Mode instead. |
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