It is now known to exist as two enantiomers, one of which is believed responsible for its sedative effects, the other for its notorious side effects.  
This drug has antiinflammatory properties useful in treating leprosy and rheumatoid arthritis, and is useful in treating AIDS due to its ability to inhibit the function of the Tumor Necrosis Factor protein, and may even inhibit replication of HIV.  Developed in the 1950s in West Germany, it was not approved for use in the US until 1998.  It is now known to exist as two enantiomers, one of which is believed responsible for its sedative effects, the other for its notorious side effects.  FTP identify this drug, taken off the market in 1962 because it caused thousands of birth defects.
This drug has antiinflammatory properties useful in treating leprosy and rheumatoid arthritis, and is useful in treating AIDS due to its ability to inhibit the function of the Tumor Necrosis Factor protein, and may even inhibit replication of HIV.  
thalidomide