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Citation: Baitong Wei, Rongxiu Zhu, Zhenghu Xu. Thalidomide: Defeating the Three Evils[J]. University Chemistry, ;2026, 41(2): 273-278. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202502020 shu

Thalidomide: Defeating the Three Evils

School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China

Corresponding author: Rongxiu Zhu, Zhenghu Xu,
Received Date: 8 February 2025
Revised Date: 13 March 2025

Thalidomide, once infamous for its teratogenic effects, is now widely utilized in treating inflammation, malignant tumors, and various autoimmune diseases. Traditional chemistry textbooks often emphasize its structure and teratogenicity, resulting in limited awareness of its subsequent developments and failing to inspire students to delve deeper into the chemical aspects of this drug. Drawing inspiration from the traditional Chinese story “Zhou Chu Eliminates Three Evils”, this article adopts a first-person narrative to comprehensively explore the history, mechanisms of action, synthesis methods, and modern medical applications of thalidomide. By doing so, it aims to ignite readers’ curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of this multifaceted drug.
- Thalidomide,
- Contergan,
- Erythema nodosum leprosum,
- Multiple myeloma
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