Gertrude Elion: Celebrating Women of Achievement Month

Gertrude_Elion

September is Women of Achievement month

It’s a great opportunity to honor women who made significant scientific contributions to society and improved our way of life. So, this month we recognize the scientific work and discoveries of Gertrude Belle Elion.

Who was Gertrude Elion

Elion was a biochemist and pharmacologist who, in 1988, won the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine for her contributions to the discoveries of important drug treatments. Gertrude helped develop drug formulations which led to the creation of azidothymidine (AZT) a drug commonly used to treat AIDS.

Gertrude encountered many obstacles in her career, including being unable to obtain a graduate research position because of her gender. Nonetheless, she held several assistant positions in laboratories, and was eventually awarded an honorary Ph.D from Polytechnic University of New York in 1989 and a Doctor of Science (S.D.) degree from Harvard in 1998.

Discoveries

Elion’s innovative drug therapies noted the biochemical differences between normal human cells and pathogens, and found methods of killing pathogenic cells without harming normal human host cells.  Elion’s inventions include treatments for leukemia, organ transplants, malaria, meningitis, bacterial infections, and a multitude of other ailments. Her role in serving as a catalyst for breakthrough pharmaceutical research, by example, encourages more women to pursue science education.

Cole-Parmer proudly recognizes all professionals in laboratories and universities around the world.

To support your efforts, we provide a wide selection of top-name laboratory equipment and supplies.

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