Born: January 23, 1918 (New York City)
Died: February 21, 1999
Biography:
Gertrude Trudy Belle Elion (January 23, 1918 – February 21, 1999) was an American biochemist and pharmacologist who made significant contributions to the field of medicine through her innovative methods of rational drug design. She shared the 1988 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with George H. Hitchings and Sir James Black for their groundbreaking work in developing new drugs.
Elion’s approach to drug design revolutionized the field by focusing on understanding the targets of drugs, rather than relying solely on trial-and-error. This approach allowed for more precise and effective drug development, leading to the creation of numerous life-saving medications. One of her most notable achievements was the development of AZT, the first drug widely used in the fight against AIDS. AZT played a crucial role in extending the lives of countless individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
Elion’s contributions to medicine extended beyond AIDS research. She also played a key role in the development of the first immunosuppressive drug, azathioprine, which is used to prevent rejection in organ transplantation. Additionally, she was instrumental in the creation of acyclovir (ACV), the first successful antiviral drug for the treatment of herpes infections.
Born on January 23, 1918, in New York City, Elion was the daughter of Robert Elion, a Lithuanian Jewish immigrant who worked as a dentist, and Bertha Cohen, a Polish Jewish immigrant. The family faced financial hardship following the Wall Street Crash of 1929, which resulted in the loss of their wealth.
Elion displayed exceptional academic abilities from a young age. She graduated from Walton High School at the age of 15 and was motivated to pursue a career in science and medicine after witnessing her grandfather’s battle with stomach cancer. Elion went on to attend Hunter College, where she excelled academically and was elected as a member of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor society. She graduated with a degree in chemistry in 1937, graduating summa cum laude.
Despite her impressive qualifications, Elion faced gender discrimination when attempting to find a paid research position after graduation. She worked as a secretary and a high school teacher before eventually securing an unpaid position at a chemistry lab. Through hard work and saving, she was able to attend New York University, where she earned her M.Sc. in 1941 while working as a high school teacher during the day.
Elion’s perseverance and passion for science propelled her career forward. She faced numerous rejections and setbacks due to gender bias throughout her journey, but she remained determined to make a significant impact in the field of medicine. In an interview after receiving her Nobel Prize, she reflected on the fact that attending Hunter College for free played a crucial role in enabling her to pursue higher education as a young woman.
In 1944, Elion joined the research team at Burroughs Wellcome (now GlaxoSmithKline), where she would spend the majority of her career. She worked tirelessly in the pursuit of discovering new drugs and was known for her exceptional work ethic and dedication to her research. Her intelligence and innovative thinking allowed her to make groundbreaking discoveries, leading to the development of several life-saving medications.
Elion’s contributions to medicine have left an indelible impact on society. Her work has saved countless lives and improved the quality of life for individuals suffering from various diseases. She paved the way for future advancements in rational drug design and inspired many young scientists to explore the field of pharmacology.
Gertrude B. Elion passed away on February 21, 1999, leaving behind a remarkable scientific legacy. Her dedication to scientific research and her unwavering determination to overcome gender barriers truly make her an icon in women’s history.
Awards:
– 1988 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (shared with George H. Hitchings and Sir James Black)
– 1988 National Medal of Science