U.S. Patent 3,047,534 for azathioprine, an immunosuppressive drug, was issued.
On July 31, 1962, the U.S. Patent Office granted Patent 3,047,534 for the drug azathioprine, also known as Imuran, to Gertrude B. Elion and her collaborators. Azathioprine heralded a new era in organ transplantation by acting as an immunosuppressive agent, preventing the body's rejection of transplanted organs. This invention was not just a scientific triumph but a lifesaver, allowing countless patients worldwide to live with transplanted organs that would otherwise be rejected. It underscored Elion’s pivotal role in pharmaceutical innovation, showcasing her profound impact on medicine.