In 1899, Charles E. Frosst & Co, was founded by Mr. Frosst and four associates who rapidly introduced new products such as the famous numbered analgesics known as – 217 and 222 – products that are still used in Canada.

During the mid-forties, Charles Frosst pioneered nuclear medicine in Canada by developing the country’s first radioactive pharmaceutical products, for sale in Canada and abroad.

In 1965, Merck & Co. of New Jersey acquired Charles E. Frosst. In 1968, Merck Frosst Laboratories was created to act as the service company to the two sales companies: Merck Sharp & Dohme Canada Limited; and Charles E. Frosst & Co. In 1982, the three companies were restructured under the name Merck Frosst Canada Inc. and it became a fully integrated pharmaceutical company. The company later changed its name to Merck Frosst Canada Ltd.