In 2003, Merck Frosst—a division of New Jersey-based Merck & Co. , Inc. and one of Canada's leading research-based pharmaceutical companies—invested $116 million in research and development in Canada.
The Merck Frosst Centre for Therapeutic Research in Montreal-the largest private biomedical research facility in the country- has a mandate to discover new therapies for the treatment of respiratory diseases , inflammatory diseases, diabetes and osteoprosis. According to André Marcheterre, President of Merck Frosst, a key strength of Montreal is the calibre of the workforce that receives training from recognized institutions in the biopharmaceutical field. "There are many other advantages to doing business in Quebec," says Marcheterre, "such as patent protection, access to qualified scientists and R&D; staff, the network of institutions in the Montreal area, the diversity and quality of the potential labour pool, and finally, fiscal policies for R&D; tax treatment. Together, these factors create a very receptive research environment."
Merck Frosst, which markets a broad range of cardiovascular products and vaccines, is a recognized leader in the treatment of asthma, osteoporosis, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, prostate disease, migraines and infectious diseases. The company employs nearly 1900 people across Canada, including 300 of the world's leading scientists.