Gertrude B. Elion

Gertrude Belle Elion was born on January 23, 1918, in New York City. She was an American biochemist and pharmacologist. Her early education was met with curiosity and a passion for science despite the limitations of opportunities for women at the time.

After finishing high school at the age of 15, Gertrude Elion graduated from Hunter College in New York City in 1937 with a degree in chemistry. Despite there being limited opportunities for women in science, she persevered with her education and work in her field.

In 1944, Gertrude B. Elion joined the Burroughs Wellcome pharmaceutical company, where she began working closely with George Hitchings. It was here that Elion's research led to the development of multiple significant drugs through innovative research techniques.

Gertrude Elion earned her M.Sc in Chemistry from New York University in 1941 while working part-time as a laboratory assistant. Her dedication to academia was unwavering despite financial difficulties in pursuing further education during the time of the Great Depression.

Gertrude Elion played a crucial role in the development of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), the first treatment for leukemia and a pivotal drug in chemotherapy. This breakthrough application laid the foundation for future research into cancer treatements.

Gertrude B. Elion developed azathioprine, an immunosuppressive drug used in organ transplants to prevent rejection. This discovery marked a significant milestone in medical science, particularly for its novel application in transplant medicine.

Gertrude Elion was the co-developer of allopurinol, a drug used to treat gout and hyperuricemia. Her research continued to build on the innovative techniques that characterized her career, expanding treatment options for metabolic conditions.

Gertrude B. Elion developed pyrimethamine, a drug specifically used in the treatment of malaria. Her innovative methodology and perseverance in pharmacological research led to the introduction of treatments against various parasitic diseases.

Gertrude B. Elion was awarded the 1988 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine alongside George H. Hitchings and Sir James Black. The Nobel Committee recognized their discoveries of important principles for drug treatment, marking a landmark achievement in medicine.

Gertrude B. Elion retired officially in 1983 but remained an active consultant at Burroughs Wellcome, driving research and mentoring the next generation of scientists. Her commitment to science continued well into her later years.