Frankie: The Woman Who Saved Millions from Thalidomide
by James Essinger and Sandra Koutzenko
Most of us have heard of Thalidomide, even though sixty years have passed since the horror of this drug was discovered. You may have seen an episode about a thalidomide baby on the popular TV show, “Call the Midwife”. But, most of us no longer recognize the name, “Frances ‘Frankie’ Oldham Kelsey”. Her service in the United States Federal Drug Administration earned her many accolades, including the President’s Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service from President John F. Kennedy in 1962. What did she do?
In addition to the research, development and marketing of the drug Thalidomide, this book also shares some of the stories of the individuals and their families who were so severely affected by Thalidomide. Their courage and perseverance show that they are the true heroes of the Thalidomide disaster. Many thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read the book and share in the blog tour.
Thalidomide: patented in Germany as a non-toxic cure-all for sleeplessness and morning sickness. A wonder drug with no side-effects.
We know differently now.
Today, thalidomide is a byword for tragedy and drug reform – a sign of what happens when things aren’t done ‘the right way’. But when it was released in the 1950s, it was the best thing since penicillin – something that doctors were encouraged to prescribe to all of their patients. Nobody could anticipate what it actually did: induce sleeping, prevent morning sickness, and drastically harm unborn children.
JENA’S REVIEW
Frankie: The Woman Who Saved Millions from Thalidomide by James Essinger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Most of us have heard of Thalidomide, even though sixty years have passed since the horror of this drug was discovered. You may have seen an episode about a thalidomide baby on the popular TV show, “Call the Midwife”. But, most of us no longer recognize the name, “Frances ‘Frankie’ Oldham Kelsey. Her service in the United States Federal Drug Administration earned her many accolades, including the President’s Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service from President John F. Kennedy in 1962. What did she do?
This biography of Dr. Kelsey is a straight-forward account of her early life, education and her contributions to medicine and society. She was born in British Columbia in 1914 and was able to pursue an excellent education. She received her Ph.D in pharmacology and joined the University of Chicago in 1942. After she married and started her family, she went on to become a medical doctor, feeling that this career would lend itself better to raising a family!
In 1960, Dr. Frankie Kelsey started working for the United States Food and Drug Administration and one of her first assignments was to review a New Drug Application for the release of Thalidomide in the United States. This drug had been patented in Germany as a non-toxic cure-all for sleeplessness and morning sickness; a wonder drug with no side effects. Even though it had already been approved in Canada and more than 20 European and African countries, Frankie withheld approval for the drug and requested further studies.
The first British thalidomide babies were born in January, 1959 and it would be three years until the connection with the drug was confirmed. By 1962,10,000 thalidomide babies had been born world- wide. Because Dr. Frankie Kelsey was scientific and cautious, the link of thalidomide to severe birth defects was discovered before the drug could be released in America, thus preventing many more potential catastrophic birth defects.
Frankie’s actions helped stop the disaster of thalidomide, and also lead to stronger regulations by the FDA. She continued to work for the FDA and lived to the wonderful age of 101.
This book hails the accomplishments of an outstanding person. The book is based mostly on other articles and books, so it is somewhat of an academic read. The authors also share some stories from “thalidomiders” and their lives. To me, the book becomes less factual when it tries to assess blame. Many things went wrong with the sale of thalidomide. Even though we may roll our eyes about bureaucrats and government agencies, this book highlights how effective such agencies can be.
Thanks to Rachels Random Resources for a digital review copy. This is my honest review.
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Meet the Authors
JAMES ESSINGER is the author of non-fiction books that focus on STEM subjects and personalities, including Charles and Ada (The History Press) and Ada’s Algorithm (Gibson Square), the latter of which has been optioned for a film. He lives in Canterbury.
SANDRA KOUTZENKO is a bilingual writer whose work spans a variety of categories and topics, ranging from French poetry to English non-fiction, focusing on human nature and the conflict between its potential for greatness and its propensity for destruction.
Social Media Links –
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