The Immigrant, The Career-Undecided, and The Supermarket Supervisor-turned-Scientist

The Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine, Chemistry, and Physics have celebrated remarkable scientific contributions since their inception in 1901. As of 2023, these prestigious awards have recognized outstanding achievements in each field yet underscore the persistent gender gap in scientific recognition.

Nobel Prize: By the Numbers

Physiology or Medicine Nobel Prize

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been bestowed 114 times, honoring 227 laureates between 1901 and 2023. Among them, only 13 are women, highlighting the need for greater gender diversity in medical research.

Chemistry Nobel Prize

Similarly, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, awarded 115 times, has recognized 194 laureates during the same period. Notably, Frederick Sanger and Barry Sharpless received this honor twice, bringing the total number of individuals honored to 192. However, only 8 of these laureates are women, reflecting the ongoing gender disparity in the field of chemistry.

Physics Nobel Prize

The Nobel Prize in Physics, presented 117 times, has acknowledged 225 laureates for their groundbreaking contributions. John Bardeen remains the sole laureate to receive the award twice, emphasizing the exceptional achievements of a select few. Despite these accolades, only 5 women have been honored among the 224 laureates, underscoring the challenges faced by female physicists.

In hopes of inspiring more women to pursue science this International Women’s Day, let us learn the struggles of three female Nobel laureates who have had their fair share of difficulties before they finally received their well-deserved recognitions.

A Catalyst for Change While Catalyzing Glycogen

Austrian-American biochemist Gerty Theresa Cori née Radnitz was born in Prague, the former seat of Bohemian leadership in Austria-Hungary. Gerty Cori grew up at a time when women were marginalized and allowed few educational opportunities. In spite of this, she secured a spot to attend medical school. This is where she’ll meet her future husband Carl Ferdinand Cori. The couple married in 1920 and left for the United States owing to political unrest in the European region. Gerty Cori continued collaborating with her husband to do medical research. Despite having difficulty in securing research positions, she continued to pursue science at her husband’s prodding. Had she stopped doing research, we wouldn’t have had a better understanding of carbohydrate metabolism.

Together with her husband Carl and the Argentine physiologist Bernardo Houssay, Gerty Cori received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the discovery of the mechanism by which glycogen – a starch made from glucose – is broken down in muscle tissue into lactic acid and then resynthesized in the body and stored as a source of energy (known as the Cori cycle). They also identified the important catalyzing compound chemically known as glucose 1-phosphate (IUPAC name: D-Glucopyranosyl dihydrogen phosphate) but more commonly called the Cori ester.

Biochemist Gerty Theresa Cori née Radnitz became the first woman to be awarded the 1947 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, and the third woman to win a Nobel Prize in science.

Borrowed Notes, a Part-Time Job, and an Undeniable Love for Science

Françoise Barré-Sinoussi‘s fascination with science emerged at a young age. During her childhood vacations, she devoted hours to observing insects and animals, meticulously comparing their behaviors to unravel the mysteries of nature. Recognizing her aptitude for scientific inquiry, she expressed a desire to pursue higher education in science or embark on a career in research to her parents. Although initially drawn to medicine, she believed it to be financially burdensome and time-consuming compared to a career in science.

After enrolling in university and spending two years studying, Barré-Sinoussi sought part-time employment in a laboratory to confirm her career choice. Following a year-long search, she secured a position at the Pasteur Institute, which quickly evolved into a full-time commitment. Her dedication to laboratory work led her to prioritize exams over regular class attendance, relying on her peers’ notes for study material. Despite this unconventional approach, her newfound passion for science propelled her to excel in her studies.

In the early 1970s, Barré-Sinoussi joined the Pasteur Institute in Paris, where she earned her Ph.D. in 1974. Following an internship at the U.S. National Institutes of Health, she returned to the Pasteur Institute, working in Luc Montagnier’s research unit.

During the onset of the AIDS epidemic from 1981 to 1984, the causative agent of the outbreak remained unidentified. Collaborating with Montagnier, Jean-Claude Chermann, and other colleagues, Barré-Sinoussi isolated and cultivated a retrovirus from a swollen lymph node biopsy of an AIDS-afflicted patient. This retrovirus, later identified as HIV-1, played a pivotal role in diagnostic test development and informed policies for AIDS treatment. Barré-Sinoussi’s groundbreaking discovery catalyzed advancements in HIV/AIDS research, ultimately contributing to the saving of numerous lives.

In 2008, Barré-Sinoussi was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, together with her former mentor, Luc Montagnier, for their discovery of HIV.

A Supermarket Supervisor-turned-Master Synthesizer

Gertrude “Trudy” Belle Elion entered the world in New York City on January 23, 1918, with privilege at her doorstep. However, the Wall Street Crash of 1929 stripped her family of their wealth. Undeterred, Trudy remained a stellar student, graduating from Walton High School at the tender age of 15. The passing of her grandfather due to stomach cancer at this pivotal age ignited her passion for science and medicine, propelling her toward higher education.

Attending Hunter College on a full scholarship due to her exceptional grades, Trudy emerged as a Phi Beta Kappa graduate, earning a degree in chemistry with summa cum laude honors in 1937. Despite her academic prowess, the prevailing gender bias denied her paying research opportunities post-graduation. She ventured into secretarial and teaching roles before securing an unpaid position at a chemistry lab.

Determined to pursue further education, Trudy saved enough to enroll at New York University, earning her Master of Science in 1941 while juggling a day job as a high school teacher. Repeated rejections for financial aid due to gender discrimination led her to a brief stint at a secretarial school before finding employment.

Her journey into the scientific realm continued with roles as a food quality supervisor and later at Johnson & Johnson, where she hoped for a more fulfilling path. In 1944, she joined Burroughs-Wellcome pharmaceutical company in Tuckahoe, New York, as an assistant to George Herbert Hitchings. Under Hitchings’ pioneering drug development approach, Trudy synthesized anti-metabolites of purines, leading to the creation of anti-cancer drugs tioguanine and mercaptopurine in 1950.

Trudy Elion’s groundbreaking contributions to pharmacology culminated in the 1988 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, shared with George Herbert Hitchings and Sir James Whyte Black. Their innovative rational drug design methodology, centered on comprehending drug targets rather than trial-and-error, yielded transformative drugs like AZT, the first widely-used AIDS treatment. Her repertoire also includes azathioprine, the first immunosuppressive drug, and acyclovir (ACV), the pioneering antiviral drug used in herpes treatment.

Breaking the Mold

These stories of resilience and determination serve as a testament to the invaluable contributions of women in science. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us honor the achievements of these remarkable individuals and inspire future generations to pursue their passion for discovery.

Engr. Dex Marco Tiu Guibelondo, B.Sc. Pharm, R.Ph., B.Sc. CpE

Editor-in-Chief, PharmaFEATURES