Healthy Skepticism Library item: 11714

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Publication type: Journal Article

Nordlund C.
Hormones for life? Behind the rise and fall of a hormone remedy (Gonadex) against sterility in the Swedish welfare state
Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part C: Studies in History and Philosophy of Biological and Biomedical Sciences 2007 March;
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VHP-4N1SK1B-9&_user=10&_coverDate=03%2F31%2F2007&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=66ff12289e4288675a601a29fec617d4

Abstract:

In 1948 the pharmaceutical company Leo launched a placental hormonal preparation, called Gonadex, in Sweden. During a press conference, and in commercials and newspapers, it was said that Gonadex could cure sterility as well as many other problems related to the endocrine system. The remedy was described as effective and pure, with no side effects whatsoever. For several reasons, Gonadex was looked upon as a ‘Swedish triumph’. Inspired by research on ‘mediation’, conducted within the field of social studies of pharmaceutical drugs, the present essay explores the political and scientific visions and values behind Gonadex; the propaganda for and marketing of Gonadex; the mediated image of Gonadex in the press; the reception by the medical profession, and finally the hopes and fears of the women who tried (or wanted to try) Gonadex. The essay argues that the public image of Gonadex was ‘oversell’ of hormone therapy, and that it was shaped by the way endocrinologists at Karolinska Hospital, notably Professor Axel Westman, mediated between Leo, the mass media, and the consumers when, and even before, Gonadex was introduced to the market.

Keywords:
The Population Question; Endocrinology; Aktiebolaget Leo, Helsingborg; Axel Westman; Gonadex; Mediated biomedicine Publication Types: Biography Historical Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH Terms: Advertising/history* Animals Chorionic Gonadotropin/history* Chorionic Gonadotropin/therapeutic use Drug Industry/history* Endocrinology/history* Female History, 20th Century Humans Infertility, Female/drug therapy* Mass Media Mice Pregnancy Social Welfare/history* Sweden Substances: Chorionic Gonadotropin Personal Name as Subject: Westman A