Gertrude Bell's Contributions to Pharmaceutical Research

Gertrude Bell, born in 1918, overcame societal and gender barriers to become a highly accomplished research chemist at Burrows Welcome. She played a significant role in the development of targeted drugs by examining and exploiting biochemical differences between healthy cells and pathogens. Bell's notable achievements include developing the first successful chemotherapy for childhood leukemia, creating the world's first anti-rejection drug for kidney transplants, and contributing to the development of treatments for diseases such as gout, lupus, malaria, meningitis, and arthritis. Her pioneering work in antiviral drugs led to the development of a cyclovir, the world's first successful targeted antiviral medication, and AZT, the first FDA-approved drug for HIV treatment.