Chattem Chemicals, Inc. has a rich history as part of Chattem, Inc,
which was founded as the Chattanooga Medicine Company on February 21, 1879. It began operations in a small unpretentious 2-story brick building located on a muddy, unpaved road called Market Street in the heart of downtown Chattanooga. Chattanooga Medicine Company was the maker of many recognizable products including Thedford’s Black Draught?, a senna based laxative, originally developed in 1840 by Dr. A.Q. Simmons of Snow Hill, Georgia.
Just after World War II, the seeds of today's Chattem Chemicals were sown. One of the first new antacid compounds commonly known as Dihydroxy Aluminum Aminoacetate was developed. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Irvine W. Grote, a Company advisor, discovered a second new antacid, Dihydroxy Aluminum Sodium. The fine chemicals division until recently for use in "Bufferin" and "Rolaids" manufactured these two compounds, respectively.
Internal research efforts also gave birth to "Pamabrom", a diuretic used to reduce menstrual discomfort. Pamabrom remains one of the key products manufactured today along with USP Glycine (Amino acetic Acid) for the injectable market.
United States
