1901-1978

American biochemist who won the 1955 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for synthesizing the first hormone, oxytocin. Du Vigneaud also deciphered the chemical structure of biotin, one of the B vitamins, making synthesis possible. His work on vitamin and hormone synthesis presaged the now common and widespread use of such compounds. In addition to his work with oxytocin and biotin, du Vigneaud conducted important research into other compounds, including insulin and penicillin.