George H. Hitchings

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1988
Co Nobelists Sir James W. Black, Gertrude B. Elion

Chemist, Pharmacologist. Discovered principles for drug treatment; developed drugs - anticancer, immunosuppressive, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-gout, anti-malarial. Purines. 6-mercaptopurine, Imuran, allopurinol, pyramethamine, trimethoprim, Acyclovir.

"My greatest satisfaction … save lives, relieve suffering. At baptism, my father dedicated my life to service of mankind. Very proud … able to fulfill his hopes."

Defining Moment

The defining moment in the life of George Hitchings occurred when he was 12 years old and his father passed away after a prolonged illness. George turned to medicine. In high school, he chose subjects accordingly. At graduation, as salutatorian, he spoke of Louis Pasteur. Pasteur’s basic science research and the practical results he obtained were always Hitchings’ goal.