Gertrude Elion, M.S.

Gertrude Elion, M.S.

Gertrude Elion was a Jewish-American biochemist and pharmacologist whose research led to the development of multiple life-saving drugs. Born in New York City to immigrant parents, she entered science during a time when few women were in the field. At Burroughs Wellcome [now part of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), a pharmaceutical company], she helped pioneer a new method of drug development based on targeting the differences between healthy cells and disease-causing agents.

Her work contributed to treatments for leukemia, herpes, malaria, and organ transplant rejection. In 1988, she shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with George Hitchings and Sir James Black. She also played a key role in developing azathioprine, the first immunosuppressive drug, and acyclovir, the first effective medical treatment for herpes. Her innovative approach laid the foundation for many antiviral and cancer therapies. In addition to her lab work, Elion mentored young scientists and advocated for women in research, helping to open doors for future generations. Her legacy continues in the countless lives improved by the medications she helped create.