Question

5) Fifty years ago, pregnant women who were prescribed thalidomide for morning sickness gave birth (5pts) to children with birth defects. Thalidomide is a mixture of two enantiomers; one reduces morning sickness, but the other causes severe birth defects. Today, the FDA has approved this drug for non- pregnant individuals with Hansen's disease (leprosy) or newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, a blood and bone marrow cancer. The beneficial enantiomer can be synthesized and given to patients, but over time, both the beneficial and the harmful enantiomer can be detected in the body. Propose a possible explanation for the presence of the harmful enantiomer.

Answer 1

Enantiomers are referred to the presence of isomers in the chemical composition of a drug.This can treat as well as cause harm to an individual who consumes it.Some of the reasons for the presence of harmful enantiomers are

• Able to treat a condition when other options fails
• Benefits outweighs adverse events
• Lack of adequate research before approval
• For monetary gains of the manufacturer or the pharmaceutical companies