Gertrude Elion (scientist)

Gertrude Elion was a pioneering scientist who developed important medicines that save lives today. She specialized in creating drugs to treat infections, cancer, and immune system diseases by designing innovative ways to interfere with how cells and viruses grow. Her work led to the development of drugs like AZT for HIV/AIDS and key medications for leukemia and organ rejection. Elion's research revolutionized medicine, and she was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1988. Her contributions greatly improved health outcomes and demonstrated the power of scientific innovation in medicine.