A Legacy of Innovation. A Future of Hope for Patients
Date
Explore our history
1858
E.R. Squibb & Sons was founded by Edward R. Squibb in Brooklyn, New York.
1925
The Governors of the University of Toronto sign a foreign export license with E.R. Squibb & Sons, granting the company the non-exclusive right, license and privilege of exporting insulin to all countries in the world except the U.S., Canada and Great Britain.
1925
The Governors of the University of Toronto sign a foreign export license with E.R. Squibb & Sons, granting the company the non-exclusive right, license and privilege of exporting insulin to all countries in the world except the U.S., Canada and Great Britain.
1925
E.R. Squibb & Sons of Canada Limited is registered as a business in Canada, headquartered in Toronto.
1932
E.R. Squibb advertising was featured in Canadian magazines, including Maclean’s.
1932
E.R. Squibb advertising was featured in Canadian magazines, including Maclean’s.
1948
First Canadian lab opened in Old Montreal.
1952
Construction begins on the Squibb plant in Ville Saint-Laurent, Quebec, which sat as the company’s head office until relocating in 2009.
1952
Construction begins on the Squibb plant in Ville Saint-Laurent, Quebec, which sat as the company’s head office until relocating in 2009.
1956
Bristol-Myers enters the cancer drug development field, building on collaborations around promising antibiotics with the Microbial Chemistry Research Foundation of Japan.
1958
Health Canada approves BMS Canada treatment in the antifungal space.
1958
Health Canada approves BMS Canada treatment in the antifungal space.
1959
Bristol-Myers acquired the hair colour company, Clairol.
1972
Bristol-Myers announces the formation of Palomar Pictures International. Palomar produces several films, including The Stepford Wives and The Taking of Pelham One Two Three. The company exited the film business two years later.
1972
Bristol-Myers announces the formation of Palomar Pictures International. Palomar produces several films, including The Stepford Wives and The Taking of Pelham One Two Three. The company exited the film business two years later.
1978
BMS Canada receives Health Canada approval for an antineoplastic treatment option.
1981
Health Canada approves an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors treatment for Canadians.
1981
Health Canada approves an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors treatment for Canadians.
1989
Bristol-Myers merges with Squibb, creating Bristol-Myers Squibb, the world’s second-largest pharmaceutical enterprise.
1990
Amalgamated under the name Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada.
1990
Amalgamated under the name Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada.
1999
With Health Canada approval secured, BMS Canada brings an HIV treatment option to Canadians.
2005
BMS Canada enters the colorectal cancer space with Health Canada approval.
2005
BMS Canada enters the colorectal cancer space with Health Canada approval.
2006
BMS Canada secures Health Canada approval for arthritis treatment.
2006
BMS Canada expands presence in virology care following Health Canada approval.
2006
BMS Canada expands presence in virology care following Health Canada approval.
2007
Health Canada approves BMS Canada to bring leukemia treatment to Canadians.
2008
BMS Canada holds its first annual Community Action Day.
2008
BMS Canada holds its first annual Community Action Day.
2009
BMS Canada relocates 200+ employees to its new national head office in Technopark Montreal.
2011
BMS Canada brings forward an option to treat venous thromboembolic events with Health Canada approval.
2011
BMS Canada brings forward an option to treat venous thromboembolic events with Health Canada approval.
2012
Health Canada approves the first Immuno-Oncology treatment for advanced melanoma in Canada.
2013
BMS Canada awarded the Prix Galien Innovative Product Award.
2013
BMS Canada awarded the Prix Galien Innovative Product Award.
2014
Health Canada approves a treatment option for multiple myeloma.
2014
With Health Canada approval secured, Canadian patients receive a new treatment option for metastatic pancreatic cancer.
2014
With Health Canada approval secured, Canadian patients receive a new treatment option for metastatic pancreatic cancer.
2015
BMS reaffirms commitment to Canadians living with advanced and metastatic melanoma with expanded indication approval from Health Canada.
2015
BMS reaffirms commitment to Canadians living with hepatitis C with new Health Canada approval.
2015
BMS reaffirms commitment to Canadians living with hepatitis C with new Health Canada approval.
2016
With approval from Health Canada, BMS Canada brings forward treatment option for non-small cell lung cancer and renal cell carcinoma.
2016
Health Canada approves the first ever combination of two immune-oncology agents for metastatic melanoma.
2016
Health Canada approves the first ever combination of two immune-oncology agents for metastatic melanoma.
2016
Following Health Canada approval, Canadians living with multiple myeloma now have access to a new treatment option.
2016
Bristol-Myers Squibb and Celgene come together to create a leading biopharma company positioned to address the needs of patients with serious diseases.
2016
Bristol-Myers Squibb and Celgene come together to create a leading biopharma company positioned to address the needs of patients with serious diseases.
2020
BMS Canada has the second highest number of active clinical trials amongst the top twenty pharmaceutical companies in Canada.
2020
Health Canada approves treatments in the therapeutic areas of myelofibrosis and myelodysplastic syndromes.
2020
Health Canada approves treatments in the therapeutic areas of myelofibrosis and myelodysplastic syndromes.
2022
Health Canada approves treatments in the therapeutic areas of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, plaque psoriasis and large B-cell lymphoma treatment option.
2023
BMS continues to affirm its commitment to Canadians living with metastatic melanoma following new Health Canada approval.
2023
BMS continues to affirm its commitment to Canadians living with metastatic melanoma following new Health Canada approval.
2024
BMS Canada awarded the Prix Galien Innovative Product Award.
2025
Health Canada approves new subcutaneous immunotherapy.
2025
Health Canada approves new subcutaneous immunotherapy.
