Gertrude Belle Elion

Women Warriors

Honoring Women Who Fought Their Way to Greatness

Gertrude belle elion - Developed Medicine to Fight Cancer

Gertrude Belle Elion, born February 23, 1918, spent her life doing medical and scientific research. Gertrude first decided to dedicate her life to cancer research at the age of 15. This sudden desire to advance cancer treatment was caused by the death of her grandfather from cancer. She developed Imuran, a drug that helps the body to accept transplanted organs, and Zovirax, a drug that fights herpes.

Gertrude’s research helped save the lives of many people. In 1988, she received the Nobel Prize in Medicine. She was placed in the National Inventors' Hall of Fame in 1991. Gertrude continued her research for the rest of her life. Gertrude Belle Elion died on February 21, 1999.

For More Information go to:

http://www.invent.org/hall_of_fame/51.html

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