Don't get me wrong, the actions taken around thalidomide AFTER its VEGF-blocking side effects became known are probably the worst example of recklessness and medical malpractice since the Tuskegee syphilis study - but they probably legitimately didn't know before clearing it for sale.
... you don't test morning sickness drugs on pregnant women?
Not during the clinical trials it needs to pass in order to be approved for sale, no.
https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/should-pregnant-women-be-included-clinical-trials
Don't get me wrong, the actions taken around thalidomide AFTER its VEGF-blocking side effects became known are probably the worst example of recklessness and medical malpractice since the Tuskegee syphilis study - but they probably legitimately didn't know before clearing it for sale.