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long-tailed keyword: Frances Oldham Kelsey’s rejection of Thalidomide, birth defects caused by Thalidomide in Canada.
By Trend News Line 2024-03-10 00:59:01.
Frances Oldham Kelsey: The Woman Who Stood Against Thalidomide
Frances Oldham Kelsey, a native of Cobble Hill, British Columbia, made a significant impact on the field of pharmaceutical regulation during her time at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Her steadfast refusal to approve the drug Thalidomide in the United States saved countless lives and prevented a tragedy of immense proportions.
Thalidomide, a drug initially marketed as a sedative and anti-nausea medication, gained widespread popularity in Europe and Canada in the late 1950s and early 1960s. However, it was later discovered that the drug caused severe birth defects, particularly limb malformations, when taken by pregnant women. In Canada, where Thalidomide was approved for use, the devastating consequences of its effects on unborn children became painfully evident.
Frances Oldham Kelsey’s role in the Thalidomide story began when she was assigned to review the drug for approval in the United States. Despite pressure from the pharmaceutical company and her superiors, Kelsey meticulously scrutinized the evidence presented to her and refused to give the drug the green light. Her diligence and commitment to patient safety ultimately led to the prevention of a Thalidomide tragedy in the U.S.
After her retirement from the FDA, Kelsey moved to London, Ontario, where she lived out the remainder of her life. On March 10, 2024, news of her passing was announced, leaving a void in the world of pharmaceutical regulation. The cause of her death remains unknown at this time, but her legacy as a champion for drug safety and public health will endure for generations to come.
Frances Oldham Kelsey’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous drug testing and regulatory oversight in protecting the health and well-being of the public. Her unwavering dedication to her principles and her refusal to compromise on matters of safety have left an indelible mark on the history of medicine.
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Source : CraigBaird
Frances Oldham Kelsey, born in Cobble Hill, British Columbia and working for the FDA, refused to back down on her rejection of Thalidomide in the USA.
In her native Canada, we used it and it caused many birth defects.
She passed away in London, Ontario. https://t.co/9vU4MhM9fc— Craig Baird – Canadian History Ehx (@CraigBaird) March 10, 2024
Frances Oldham Kelsey rejection Thalidomide USA
Frances Oldham Kelsey FDA refusal Thalidomide USA.