Connaught Laboratories

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Building 1923

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Connaught Interior 1923

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Connaught insulin stills 1923

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Iletin 1922

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Connaught Insulin 1925

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Banting Institute 1930

Connaught Laboratories was a Canadian institution dedicated to the research, development, and production of vaccines and other biological products. It played a significant role in the advancement of public health in Canada and globally.

History

Connaught Laboratories was established in 1914 as the Antitoxin Laboratory at the University of Toronto. It was founded by Dr. John G. FitzGerald, who aimed to produce diphtheria antitoxin to combat the disease in Canada. The laboratory was named after the Duke of Connaught, then Governor General of Canada.

Contributions

Connaught Laboratories made several significant contributions to medical science and public health:

• Diphtheria Antitoxin: The initial focus of the laboratory was the production of diphtheria antitoxin, which was crucial in reducing the incidence of diphtheria in Canada.
• Insulin Production: In the 1920s, Connaught Laboratories played a pivotal role in the large-scale production of insulin, following its discovery by Frederick Banting and Charles Best.
• Polio Vaccine: The laboratory was instrumental in the development and distribution of the polio vaccine, working closely with Dr. Jonas Salk.
• Smallpox Vaccine: Connaught Laboratories also contributed to the global eradication of smallpox by producing and distributing the smallpox vaccine.

Merger and Legacy

In 1972, Connaught Laboratories became part of the Canada Development Corporation. Later, in 1989, it was acquired by the French pharmaceutical company Institut Mérieux, which is now part of Sanofi Pasteur. Despite these changes, the legacy of Connaught Laboratories continues through its contributions to vaccine development and public health.

See Also

• University of Toronto
• Frederick Banting
• Charles Best
• Jonas Salk
• Sanofi Pasteur
• Vaccine
• Diphtheria
• Insulin
• Polio
• Smallpox