In the early 1960s, chemist Dora Richardson synthesized a chemical compound that became one of the most important drugs to treat breast cancer: tamoxifen. Although her name is on the original patent, until recently, her contributions had been largely lost to history.
In the first episode of a two-part podcast, Katie Couric introduces us to Richardson’s story, and we recount how Lost Women of Science producer Marcy Thompson tracked down the chemist’s firsthand account of the history of the drug’s development. This document, mislaid for decades, describes how the compound was made and how Imperial Chemical Industries, where Richardson worked, almost terminated the project because the company was hoping to produce a contraceptive, not a cancer therapy.
Katie Couric discusses how breast cancer treatments have evolved over the years, mentioning that tamoxifen was a game changer when it was approved in the U.S. in 1977. By 1985, it was declared the treatment of choice by the National Institutes of Health for its ability to extend women’s lives after surgery. The drug has since saved the lives of hundreds of thousands of women around the world.
The podcast delves into Dora Richardson’s background as a synthetic organic chemist working at ICI, where she spent her entire professional life. She played a crucial role in the development of tamoxifen, isolating the compound’s isomers and conducting the necessary chemistry to move the project forward.
Viviane Quirke, a historian of science, medicine, and technology, sheds light on Dora’s exceptional abilities and the impact she made in a male-dominated field. Dora’s personal story of how tamoxifen was developed was captured in a paper titled “The History of Nolvadex,” written in 1980. This paper was lost in the archives but was rediscovered thanks to the efforts of Marcy Thompson and archivist Julie James at AstraZeneca.
The article also highlights the challenges faced by women in science during the early 20th century. Dora’s work and dedication to her research stood out in a field dominated by men. Her role in synthesizing tamoxifen was instrumental in the drug’s development, despite the obstacles she faced.
Overall, the article provides a detailed account of Dora Richardson’s contributions to the development of tamoxifen and sheds light on her legacy as a forgotten developer in the field of breast cancer treatment. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing the achievements of women in science and the impact they have on society.
