When was thalidomide found to be dangerous?

Thalidomide was found to be dangerous in the early 1960s when it was linked to severe birth defects in thousands of children born to mothers who took the drug during pregnancy. The drug, initially marketed as a sedative and treatment for morning sickness, was withdrawn from the market in 1961 after reports of its teratogenic effects emerged. The scandal led to significant changes in drug approval processes and regulations worldwide.