Subacute myelo-optic neuropathy

Subacute myelo-optic neuropathy (SMON) is an iatrogenic disease of the nervous system[1] leading to a disabling paralysis, blindness and even death. Its defining manifestation was as an epidemic in Japan during the 1960s, affecting an estimated 30,000 people.[2] On August 3, 1978, the Tokyo District Court ruled that the cause of SMON is Clioquinol. Its manufacturer, Ciba-Geigy, has publicly stated that "Medical products manufactured and sold by us have been responsible for the occurrence of [SMON] in Japan, we extend our apologies."[2]

SMON was first observed and diagnosed in Sweden 1966, by the pediatrician and neurologist Olle Hansson.[3] Clioquinol was marketed as a prophylaxis to tourist diarrhoea. Dr. Olle Hansson was in the front line, fighting for a ban of clioquinol. Doctors in many countries boycotted Ciba-Geigy for many years. Not until 1985 was the pharmaceutical withdrawn. Dr Hansson died a few months later. The day of his death, May 23, is observed as the Anti-Hazardous Drug Day in several parts of the world.

References

  1. ↑ Takasu T (November 2003). "[SMON--a model of the iatrogenic disease]". Rinsho Shinkeigaku. 43 (11): 866–9. PMID 15152488.
  2. 1 2 http://www.newint.org/issue095/devils.htm
  3. ↑ Hansson, Olle: Inside Ciba-Geigy, 1989

Further reading


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