Authorities have been sharply criticized for their slow reaction in preventing pregnant women from taking the drug. In total, 8701 children were born to women taking the drug over the seven-year period, the study published on Wednesday said, accounting for two in every 1000 pregnancies in France over the period. A compensation scheme will be established for those affected, Health Minister Marisol Touraine said on Wednesday. Story continues below…Then, IGAS criticized "the lack of reactivity" from ANSM and Sanofi, the pharmaceutical company which has produced the drug in France since 1967. According to Apesac's figures, 2426 babies have been affected by the drug, of whom 401 have died.

Source: The Local August 24, 2016 15:22 UTC