Gertrude B. Elion

Date of Birth: January 23, 1918

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: February 21, 1999

Biography

Gertrude Belle Elion was an American biochemist and pharmacologist who made significant contributions to medicine, particularly in the development of drugs to treat leukemia and autoimmune disorders. Born in New York City, Elion was motivated to pursue a career in science after witnessing the death of her grandfather from cancer. She earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Hunter College in 1937 and her master’s degree from New York University in 1941. Elion joined Burroughs Wellcome Laboratories (now part of GlaxoSmithKline) in 1944, where she worked under Dr. George H. Hitchings. Together, they developed innovative drugs using a method called “rational drug design.” This approach led to the creation of several groundbreaking medications, including 6-mercaptopurine, the first treatment for leukemia; azathioprine, an immunosuppressant used in organ transplants; and allopurinol, used to treat gout. Her work also contributed to the development of antiviral drugs, including acyclovir for herpes. In 1988, Elion and Hitchings were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, along with Sir James Black, for their discoveries of important principles for drug treatment. Despite facing gender-based challenges throughout her career, Elion’s perseverance and brilliance left an indelible mark on the field of medicine.

5 Interesting Facts about Gertrude B. Elion

1. Gertrude B. Elion never earned a Ph.D., yet she received 23 honorary degrees in her lifetime.

2. She was one of the first women to be inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

3. Elion’s work led to the development of AZT, the first drug approved for the treatment of HIV/AIDS.

4. She was the first woman to be inducted into the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine.

5. Elion’s research contributed to the development of medications that saved countless lives and revolutionized the field of pharmacology.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gertrude B. Elion

1. “I had no specific bent toward science until my grandfather died of cancer. I decided nobody should suffer that much.”

2. “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”

3. “To be a scientist is to be naive. We are all naive. We must be.”

4. “I never had any doubt in my mind that I would succeed.”

5. “I don’t know how many breakthroughs I have left in me, but I hope there are a few.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Gertrude B. Elion was not particularly wealthy by today’s standards, as her primary focus was on scientific research rather than personal financial gain. Her highest net worth is not well-documented, but her legacy is priceless in the world of medicine.