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Ruth R. Wexler facts for kids

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Ruth Wexler is an amazing American scientist who helped create important medicines. She is best known for helping discover two medicines: apixaban, which helps stop blood from clotting, and losartan, which helps people keep their blood pressure healthy. As an industrial chemist, she works for companies to develop new and useful chemical products, especially medicines.

Quick facts for kids
Ruth R. Wexler
Born
Pikesville, MD
Nationality American
Alma mater University of Pennsylvania
Known for cardiovascular drug development
Scientific career
Thesis  (1982)
Doctoral advisor Amos Smith

Ruth Wexler's Education

Ruth Wexler studied chemistry at college. She earned her first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), in chemistry from Boston University in 1977. Later, she continued her studies and received her Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) in organic chemistry in 1982. She completed her Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvania, where she worked with a professor named Amos B. Smith.

Ruth Wexler's Career and Discoveries

Dr. Wexler began her career as a scientist at a big company called DuPont in 1982. She worked her way up and became an Executive Director there by 1998. This means she was in charge of important research projects.

In 2001, she joined another major company, Bristol-Myers Squibb. She continued her work as an Executive Director and later moved to New Jersey. There, she led the team that focused on developing medicines for heart and blood vessel problems.

Medicines for Heart Health

Ruth Wexler's research has focused on developing medicines that help with many health issues. She worked on treatments for problems like inflammation (when parts of your body get swollen or sore) and coagulation (how blood clots).

Her most famous discoveries include two important medicines:

  • Apixaban: This medicine is an "anticoagulant." It helps prevent blood clots from forming, which can be very dangerous.
  • Losartan: This medicine helps treat high blood pressure, keeping people's hearts healthier.

By 2018, Dr. Wexler had written more than 215 research papers. These papers share her discoveries and findings with other scientists around the world.

Awards and Recognition

Ruth Wexler has received many awards for her important work in science. These awards show how much her discoveries have helped people.

  • 2015: She received the E.B. Hershberg Award for Discoveries in Medicinally Active Substances. This award celebrates scientists who find new substances that can be used as medicines.
  • 2014: She was added to the ACS MEDI Hall of Fame. This is a special honor for scientists who have made big contributions to medicinal chemistry.
  • 2011: She won the BMS Ondetti and Cushman Award.
  • 2004: She was recognized as an Outstanding New Jersey Woman in Research.

See also

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