Chemie Grunenthal marketed thalidomide as a safe sedative for pregnant women in the late 1950s despite having reports of severe nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) and insufficient safety testing. The drug caused an estimated 10,000+ children to be born with severe limb deformities. Dr. Frances Kelsey of the FDA blocked its approval in the US, saving thousands. Internal documents showed the company received adverse reports but suppressed them for years.