Media reports about the German Contergan Foundation and Sedalis
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:
Cause for malformations found
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.
Senate Committee hearing
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”.
Thalidomide pensions adjusted
The pensions paid by the Contergan Foundation to people affected by thalidomide in Germany and abroad have been increased as of July 1, 2019.
50 years ago today: The Contergan trial
Fifty years ago, on May 27, 1968, the so-called "Contergan trial" began before the Grand Criminal Court of the Regional Court of Aachen.
Was thalidomide developed before 1954?
Thalidomide tragedy is surrounded by questions. Misinterpretations follow details about the development of the drug.
Support
Today, a comprehensive, European-wide financial support network exists for people affected by the thalidomide tragedy.
Financial settlements
Financial settlements to the families affected by thalidomide and the establishment of the Contergan Foundation
The German Law on the Contergan Foundation for Disabled People
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.
Support of translation costs
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.
Thalidomide-affected in Spain
Three additional companies have, independently of Grünenthal, sold thalidomide- containing drugs in Spain; Grünenthal was the last company entering the Spanish market in 1960.
Alleged agreements
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.
Current discussion in the European Parliament
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.
Apology
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.
German Medicines Law
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.