OLD WINE IN A NEW POT

- Dr.T R Ramanujam.M.D.,

Thalidomide, a drug, which became notorious for Teratogenic abnormalities is now gaining to occupy a significant position in the therapeutic armamentarium of the physicians.

The following are the newer application for thalidomide;

1. Ophthous ulcer
2. Cachexia   
3. Graft Vs host disorders
4. Systemic Lupus Eryhtematosus (SLE)
5. Multiple myeloma
6. Refractory Crohn’s disease.

Now Thalidomide is officially approved   for use in Erythema nodosum Leprosum(ENL) .

Further studies are required for rationalizing the above applications. It is indeed surprising this is one of the instance where a drug has almost been discarded is slowly finding its applications.Although its immunomodulating and antiinflammatory action was known its application in therapy was delayed because of its teratogenic potential.