Marion Merrell Dow controversies

Thalidomide and the proposed Kevadon launch

Richardson-Merrell sought U.S. approval for thalidomide as Kevadon and distributed investigational tablets to physicians while the application was under review. FDA reviewer Frances Oldham Kelsey refused approval because the evidence did not adequately establish safety. After the drug was associated internationally with severe birth defects, the company withdrew the application and recalled remaining tablets. The episode concerns a predecessor organization but is central to the historical record of the Merrell pharmaceutical lineage.