What is thalidomide being used for today?

United States

Since July 16, 1998, thalidomide is licensed for use in the United States in treating complications related to leprosy. Since October 26, 2006, it is also authorized in cases of Multiples Myeloma; its distribution being exclusively controlled by the S.T.E.P.S. Program. To learn more about the S.T.E.P.S. Program, please visit http://www.thalomid.com/steps_program.aspx

Canada

Since thalidomide is not currently available on the Canadian market, Health Canada considers requests for access to thalidomide through its Special Access Programme. The Special Access Programme provides access to non-marketed drugs to practitioners who are treating patients with serious or life-threatening conditions when conventional therapies have failed, are unsuitable, are unavailable or offer limited options.

The Special Access Programme has considered requests for access to Thalomid-the brand name for thalidomide-since the late 80's. Practitioners have requested access to thalidomide for several indications, including (but not limited to) multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Behcet syndrome, leprosy, graft versus host disease, as well as others. (Source: Health Canada)

More information on the status of thalidomide is available on Health Canada's web site.