Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford cover image

Stalling for Survival - A Lonely Fight Against a Deadly Medicine

Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

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Frances Oldham Kelsey: A Guardian Against Thalidomide

This chapter recounts the pivotal role of Frances Oldham Kelsey, who resisted the approval of thalidomide in the U.S. during the 1960s, prioritizing drug safety amid immense pressure. It highlights her background, the challenges she faced, and the implications of her actions on drug safety regulations following historical medical disasters.

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