Incredible Things That Were Invented by Women

ALONG WITH COLLEAGUE GEORGE HITCHINGS, GERTRUDE ELION DEVELOPED SOME OF THE FIRST DRUGS FOR TREATING MAJOR DISEASES SUCH AS LEUKEMIA, HERPES, AND AIDS.

Elion and Hitchings developed a method known as “rational drug design” that helped revolutionize drug making. Their research allowed them to interfere successfully with cell growth, which led to the development of the first effective drugs for treating leukemia, along with several other illnesses.

Elion also discovered azathioprine, an immunosuppressant that made it possible for people with weak immune systems to receive organ transplants.