Thalidomide makes its comeback

The Pulse looks at the controversial drug being used to treat blood cancers.

Each week The Pulse showcases topical stories from around the world and from laboratories working on new cures, vaccines and treatments.

Thalidomide

The Pulse follows mobile field teams trying to
combat sleeping sickness

Thalidomide, the controversial drug that was responsible for one of the biggest disasters in medical history is making a comeback.

Keep reading

Thousands of children were born with deformities as a result of the morning sickness pill.

Thalidomide is now being successfully used in the treatment of blood cancers. But can a drug with such a terrible history ever make a comeback?

We look at the benefits of Thalidomide treatment, and talk to Professor Joe Collier about putting old drugs to work for new purposes.

Sleeping Sickness

Sleeping Sickness is one of the most deadly forgotten diseases. Experts thought it had been destroyed decades ago, but it is back with a vengeance.

The Pulse follows mobile field teams out in the bush as they carry out rapid blood tests and lumber punctures to beat the disease.

Episode 13 of The Pulse airs from Monday January 21, 2008

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