Connaught Laboratories

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File:Connaught Interior 1923.jpg

File:Connaught insulin stills 1923.jpg

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Connaught Laboratories

Type	Subsidiary
Industry	Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals
Products	Vaccines, Insulin

Connaught Laboratories was a Canadian institution renowned for its contributions to public health, particularly in the development and distribution of vaccines and insulin. Founded in 1914 by Dr. John Gerald FitzGerald, Connaught Laboratories played a pivotal role in the advancement of medical science and public health initiatives in Canada and globally.

History

Connaught Laboratories was established as a part of the University of Toronto's School of Hygiene. Its primary mission was to produce diphtheria antitoxin to combat the diphtheria outbreaks that were prevalent at the time. The laboratory was named after the Duke of Connaught, who was the Governor General of Canada.

In the 1920s, Connaught Laboratories became instrumental in the production of insulin, following the discovery by Frederick Banting and Charles Best. Connaught's role was crucial in scaling up the production of insulin, making it widely available to patients with diabetes.

Contributions to Vaccine Development

Connaught Laboratories was a leader in vaccine research and production. It was involved in the development and distribution of several key vaccines, including:

• Polio vaccine: Connaught was one of the first laboratories to produce the Salk polio vaccine in the 1950s, contributing to the global effort to eradicate polio.
• Smallpox vaccine: The laboratory played a role in the production and distribution of the smallpox vaccine, aiding in the eventual eradication of the disease.
• Tetanus vaccine: Connaught developed and distributed tetanus vaccines, which became a standard part of immunization programs.

Merger and Legacy

In the late 20th century, Connaught Laboratories underwent several mergers and acquisitions. It became part of the Institut Mérieux in 1989, which later became part of Sanofi, a global pharmaceutical company. Despite these changes, the legacy of Connaught Laboratories continues through its contributions to vaccine development and public health.

Also see

• John Gerald FitzGerald
• Frederick Banting
• University of Toronto
• Sanofi
• Vaccine
• Insulin