A woman who believes her son was damaged by a hormone pregnancy test given in the 1960s and 1970s has welcomed new research which backs the claim.

A UK study found when Primodos is given to embryonic zebrafish, the animals display significantly reduced movement and “morphological defects” within just four hours of exposure.

The latest findings were published in the journal Scientific Reports.

Lead author Dr Neil Vargesson from the University of Aberdeen, said: “What this study highlights is that there is a lot still to be learned about Primodos and more widely its components effects on mammals.

“Our experiments with the zebrafish embryos shows quite clearly the effects the Primodos components have.”

Sheila Harvey was one of the thousands of women who was prescribed Primodos, which has subsequently been blamed for children being born with underdeveloped limbs and facial deformities, as well as other medical problems - echoing the Thalidomide scandal.

Mrs Harvey, 75, of Green Lane, Eastwood, believes her son Raymond, now 49, who was born with severe heart and artery defects, was one of those affected.

She said: “It brings us nearer to our goal of getting justice for the victims of Primados. However, it is possible it could lead to a public inquiry and that could take another five years.

“It will just be another delay.”

The new research comes after a recent review concluded scientific evidence “does not support a causal association” between the use of hormonal pregnancy tests (HPTs), such as Primodos, and birth defects or miscarriage.

Campaigners called that review, by the Commission on Human Medicines, a “whitewash”, saying the expert working group did not examine all of the available evidence on the use of these drugs.

Past research suggests Primodos, which was introduced in 1958 and may have been prescribed to up to 1.5 million women in the UK, made expectant mothers up to five times more likely to have a disabled child.

The latest findings may give hope of compensation to those affected by the HPT.

Previous investigations reveal complications of the Primodos, which was never even tested on animals, were deliberately swept under the carpet by its manufacturer German pharmaceutical firm Schering.

Primodos was withdrawn from the market in 1978 amid links to cleft palates, limb defects and heart problems.

In May last year, Health Minister Lord O’Shaughnessy announced the Government had ordered medical chiefs to investigate the HPT scandal, saying: “It’s vital we take concerns such as these seriously. That’s why we’ve asked the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency to conduct a thorough scientific review of the evidence.”