We have recorded numerous media reports about the intent of the German Contergan Foundation to cease payments to people affected by "Sedalis". Grünenthal's position on this matter is as follows:
After more than 60 years, researchers at the renowned Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston have succeeded in identifying the causes of thalidomide-induced malformations.
At the request of of those affected the Australian Community Affairs Committee last year agreed to convene a hearing into “Support for Australia’s thalidomide survivors”.
The pensions paid by the Contergan Foundation to people affected by thalidomide in Germany and abroad have been increased as of July 1, 2019.
Fifty years ago, on May 27, 1968, the so-called "Contergan trial" began before the Grand Criminal Court of the Regional Court of Aachen.
Thalidomide tragedy is surrounded by questions. Misinterpretations follow details about the development of the drug.
Today, a comprehensive, European-wide financial support network exists for people affected by the thalidomide tragedy.
Financial settlements to the families affected by thalidomide and the establishment of the Contergan Foundation
On 28 February 2017, the Fourth Amendment of the Contergan Foundation Act was published in the German Federal Law Gazette. It has now entered into force retroactively with effect from 1 January 2017.
Grünenthal Pharma has set up a program to support the costs of the translations into German language of the relevant medical documents and applications of Spanish individuals willing to apply to the Contergan Foundation in Germany.
Three additional companies have, independently of Grünenthal, sold thalidomide- containing drugs in Spain; Grünenthal was the last company entering the Spanish market in 1960.
English attorneys claim that they found new documents that provide proof of the fact that secret agreements were made between German public authorities and Grünenthal.
Our position is clear: There is an established financial support system for people affected by Thalidomide throughout Europe. The Contergan foundation*, in which Grünenthal has paid more than 100 million Euros, supports affected individuals in 38 countries.
On behalf of the company, the owners and the employees, on August 31, 2012, the then CEO of Grünenthal, Dr. Harald F. Stock, apologized to those affected by thalidomide as well as to their families.
Today, the pharmaceutical industry is subject to strict controls during the development and introduction of new drugs and chemical agents. However, this was not always the case. The significant advances in regulation and drug safety were ultimately a result of the thalidomide tragedy.