Thalidomide (1) [2-(2,6-dioxo-3-piperidyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione], a sedativum without the side effects of barbiturates, was introduced into the market by Chemie Grünenthal in 1956 with the trade name Contergan ® . 1., 2. and 3. Thalidomide was withdrawn from the market in 1962, 4 when its use was linked to severe birth defects. 3. and 5. Unexpected teratogenic side effects produced one of the most notorious medicinal disasters of modern medicinal history.
