Key dates in history of thalidomide

(AP) 1946 Gruenenthal, a German pharmaceutical, is founded in Stolberg.

1954 Gruenenthal discovers and patents thalidomide.

1957 Thalidomide is first sold as Contergan in Germany. It is mainly prescribed to treat anxiety and morning sickness in pregnant women.

1959 Gruenenthal is first warned by a gynecologist that using the drug leads to deformities in babies.

1960 U.S. Food and Drug Administration demands a toxicity study for thalidomide to prove it is safe in humans.

1960s Thalidomide is marketed in Europe, Australia, Canada and Japan. The drug was never approved in the U.S.

1961 Doctors in Germany, Australia and the U.K. notice a significant spike in the number of babies born with missing or shortened limbs. The birth defects are eventually linked to thalidomide and the drug is pulled from the market.

1962 U.S. President John F. Kennedy awards FDA official Dr. Frances O. Kelsey the Distinguished Federal Civilian Service Medal for her diligence in blocking the approval of thalidomide.

1968 German case launched by lawyers of families affected by thalidomide against Gruenenthal owner Hermann Wirtz and eight employees.

1970 Gruenenthal offers to settle the case for 100 million Deutschmark.

1972 Creation of foundation for German thalidomide victims. German state adds 100 million Deutschmarks to fund. In 2009, Gruenenthal adds a further 150 million; fund totals 150 million.

1998 Thalidomide is approved by the FDA for treating a complication of leprosy.

2006 Thalidomide is approved for treating multiple myeloma, a bone marrow cancer.

2012 Australian thalidomide survivor wins multimillion settlement from British distributor, German maker Gruenenthal refuses to settle.

2012 Gruenenthal apologizes to mothers who took the drug and asks for forgiveness.