A package of the drug thalidomide Forte.

The Thalidomide Tragedy and our Engagement today

The Thalidomide tragedy will always be part of our company’s history. We are committed to keeping the memory alive by continuously making more information available.

On this page, you can find information about the history of the Thalidomide tragedy, as well as current news and developments related to Thalidomide, and insights into how Grünenthal supports Thalidomide-affected people around the globe today.

“We deeply regret the severe consequences of the Thalidomide tragedy. We take our responsibility towards those affected very seriously and provide concrete support in their everyday lives.”

Gabriel Baertschi

CEO Grünenthal

Gabriel Baertschi, CEO Grünenthal

The Thalidomide tragedy and Grünenthal's engagement today

The history of the Thalidomide tragedy

The Thalidomide tragedy has had a fundamental impact on the lives of the people affected and their families. We will never forget what happened and we are committed to keeping the memory alive. In this chapter, we examine the events that shaped the legacy, including the criminal trial and the creation of the German Federal Contergan Foundation.

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The graph shows how thalidomide binds to the protein Cereblon.

Thalidomide: The active substance and its consequences

What is Thalidomide? How does it affect the body? How is it used today? Find out more about the science behind the medication, its development process, and new pharmacological uses of the drug by other companies.

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A hand holding a business card of the Grünenthal Foundation.

How Grünenthal supports people affected by Thalidomide today

As the company that manufactured Thalidomide at the time of the tragedy, we believe it is a matter of moral and ethical importance to support affected people wherever they live. Find out more about the international support system for Thalidomide-affected people here.

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Grünenthal Foundation

The Grünenthal Foundation strives to support Thalidomide-affected people by improving their individual living conditions quickly and in a lasting manner.

Grünenthal Foundation website

News and current developments

07/23/2024

Grünenthal Foundation and Thalidomide-affected people plan a “Place of Knowledge” to support collaborative projects

The Grünenthal Foundation for the Support of Thalidomide-Affected People and the Federal Association of Thalidomide Victims launched a joint project during their second dialogue forum.

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12/20/2023

Grünenthal welcomes national apology for Thalidomide survivors by Australian Prime Minister

On November 29^th, 2023, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued an apology in the name of the Australian Parliament for the role of the Australian government in the thalidomide tragedy. The apology was addressed at Australian thalidomide survivors, who have been campaigning for recognition for years.

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11/27/2021

60 Years after the market withdrawal: Dr. Michael Wirtz apologises to those affected on behalf of his family

On the occasion of 60 years after the market withdrawal of Thalidomide, Dr. Michael Wirtz, shareholder of Grünenthal, apologised to those affected and their families on behalf of his family. As company, we welcome this step.

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Contact

Contact information for journalists and Thalidomide-affected people

Fabia Kehren

Head of Corporate Citizenship - Contact for the public

The Grünenthal Foundation for the Support of Thalidomide-Affected People

Phone +49 (0) 241 569 3269

E-Mail Fabia.Kehren@grunenthal.com

Susanne Schmitt-Degenhardt

Contact for people affected by Thalidomide

The Grünenthal Foundation for the Support of Thalidomide-Affected People

Phone +49 241 569 3699

E-Mail susanne.schmitt-degenhardt@grunenthal-stiftung.com