A transcript for this episode can be found online, here. 

A number of drugs over the last 70 years have been withdrawn following the discovery of serious side-effects. Most of us will be familiar with the Thalidomide scandal, and how thousands of people continue to be affected by the birth defects caused by the drug. The effect of these scandals has been lasting and has caused many people to distrust drug development and reporting. 

Professor Neil Vargesson will explore how Thalidomide was found to have caused serious side effects and how research has found that these drugs can effectively treat other diseases and conditions. He will also discuss his work investigating another drug used in early stages of pregnancy; Primodos and his work communicating research with the public, government and other groups.