Thalidomide is a medication that was originally developed in the late 1950s as a sedative and later prescribed to pregnant women to alleviate morning sickness. However, it was soon linked to severe birth defects, leading to its withdrawal from the market in many countries. The drug caused a range of physical disabilities in newborns, including limb malformations, which became known as the thalidomide tragedy. Despite its controversial history, thalidomide has found a new purpose in modern medicine. It is now used to treat certain conditions, such as multiple myeloma and leprosy, due to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Researchers continue to study its potential benefits and risks in various treatments.