The Ibormine Crisis
The Ibormine Crisis refers to a widespread epidemic of miscarriages, fetal deformities and other severe birth defects which took place in parts of Heremonia from 1911 until 1915, when the source of the outbreak was finally identified. The rash of congenital abnormalities was ultimately traced to a previously-unknown teratogenic side-effect of the synthetic pain medication Ibormine. Ibormine was introduced by Grünenwald Pharmazeutika in 1910 as a synthetic battlefield painkiller to replace Tincture of Ibormeith, which was in severely short supply as a result of the outbreak of the Great Intercontinental War.
Over 175,000 children were born with a broad range of severe deformities of the arms and legs, eyes, ears and heart. Approximately 40 percent died at birth or shortly thereafter. In addition, nearly 200,000 miscarriages have been linked to the drug. As a result of the scandal, more effective drug regulation laws were passed worldwide.
Over 175,000 children were born with a broad range of severe deformities of the arms and legs, eyes, ears and heart. Approximately 40 percent died at birth or shortly thereafter. In addition, nearly 200,000 miscarriages have been linked to the drug. As a result of the scandal, more effective drug regulation laws were passed worldwide.
HISTORY
At the outbreak of the war, the most effective treatment for acute and chronic pain was an extract of the Poipín plant known as Tincture of Ibormeith. The rapid increase in demand for pain medications caused by the war led to extensive research aimed at finding more readily available remedies. After an accelerated series of clinical trials, the Agnomain chemical concern Grünenwald Pharmazeutika announced the development of its synthetic painkiller Ibormine on 7 Marts 1910. By the autumn of that year the first doses of the drug were making their way to the battlefield, with a civilian version planned for the commercial market once the military shortages were addressed.
Response to the new medication was at first very positive. It was relatively inexpensive to produce, easy to package and transport, and proved to be extremely effective with no apparent side-effects. It was not until recovered soldiers began returning home from the front that the full impact of the medication would become known.
The first evidence of a problem occurred with a severe spike in miscarriages and prenatal complications that occurred across Heremonia beginning in late 1911. It was very quickly determined that the pregnancy complication were affecting veterans’ families almost exclusively, and a massive screening effort was begun to track down the cause.
Ultimately it was determined that the cause of the birth defects was the Ibormine that had been administered to the fathers during their time in service. A trace chemical used in the manufacturing process attacked the reproductive systems of the patients receiving Ibormine, causing severe chromosomal damage, which led to the fetal complications. The condition was determined to be permanent.
Response to the new medication was at first very positive. It was relatively inexpensive to produce, easy to package and transport, and proved to be extremely effective with no apparent side-effects. It was not until recovered soldiers began returning home from the front that the full impact of the medication would become known.
The first evidence of a problem occurred with a severe spike in miscarriages and prenatal complications that occurred across Heremonia beginning in late 1911. It was very quickly determined that the pregnancy complication were affecting veterans’ families almost exclusively, and a massive screening effort was begun to track down the cause.
Ultimately it was determined that the cause of the birth defects was the Ibormine that had been administered to the fathers during their time in service. A trace chemical used in the manufacturing process attacked the reproductive systems of the patients receiving Ibormine, causing severe chromosomal damage, which led to the fetal complications. The condition was determined to be permanent.
CONSEQUENCES
Military use of Ibormine was immediately discontinued when the findings were announced, and Grünenwald pulled it from the commercial market only two months after its launch. Several military investigations absolved the various procuring agencies, on the grounds they merely relied upon test results and other marketing materials provided by Grünenwald.
Throughout Heremonia victims sued for compensation from the manufacturer. In some countries, government funds were set up to compensate victims. Grünenwald Pharmazeutika sought the protection of the Agnomain bankruptcy courts, and was ultimately purchased by the international conglomerate Schaade.
Several Grünenwald executives were charged and tried in the Agnomain criminal courts, and were convicted. Hilmar Eigenholz, chairman and CEO of Grünenwald at the time, was sentenced to twenty years, although his sentence was eventually commuted to time served in 1926 for humanitarian reasons.
Throughout Heremonia victims sued for compensation from the manufacturer. In some countries, government funds were set up to compensate victims. Grünenwald Pharmazeutika sought the protection of the Agnomain bankruptcy courts, and was ultimately purchased by the international conglomerate Schaade.
Several Grünenwald executives were charged and tried in the Agnomain criminal courts, and were convicted. Hilmar Eigenholz, chairman and CEO of Grünenwald at the time, was sentenced to twenty years, although his sentence was eventually commuted to time served in 1926 for humanitarian reasons.
Over 100,000 victims survived beyond early childhood, to suffer from severe physical handicaps that required extensive care and rehabilitative treatment for the remainder of their lives. A few victims of the Ibormine Crisis remain alive today, primarily in state-run care facilities.
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