The University Hospital Foundation (UHF) recently received a substantial boost in their Alzheimer’s research efforts with a $4 million donation from local philanthropist Don Hunter. This significant donation is set to propel the quest for effective treatments for the disease.
Dr. Jack Jhamandas, a prominent neurologist at the University of Alberta, along with Dr. Lorne Tyrrell, founding director of the Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology and University of Alberta professor, and Nobel Laureate Sir Michael Houghton, are at the forefront of developing a potentially groundbreaking treatment for Alzheimer’s. Their decades-long research aims not just to prevent but to reverse its devastating effects.
The number of people living with dementia in Canada is expected to increase by 187% from 2020 to 2050. The three have been working to advance treatment development to the final phases before beginning human clinical trials. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.
“The development of novel and effective disease-modifying therapies for Alzheimer’s disease is one of the greatest scientific challenges of our time. We are hopeful that we are on to something very promising here, and we want to convey that hope to people who carry the burden of this condition,” Jhamandas said.
Don’s generosity serves as a catalyst for further funding, with the UHF aiming to raise an additional $4 million to support the transition of the drug into human trials.
“The generous gift Don Hunter has made to the University Hospital Foundation is building the bridge to bring potentially world-changing Alzheimer’s treatment to my family and friends and yours. We urge the public to match Don’s gift and join us in finishing that bridge,” shared UHF President & CEO Dr. Jodi Abbott
“The Edmonton Region holds immense potential as a hub for life sciences, and we’re grateful for organizations like the University Hospital Foundation that are helping to drive this research forward. Don and Sophie hunter’s generous donation will impact the future of Alzheimer’s treatment. We are immensely proud of the pioneering work of Dr. Jhamandas, Dr. Lorne Tyrrell, and Sir Michael Houghton as they lead the charge in finding a treatment for Alzheimer’s.” Shared Malcolm Bruce, CEO, Edmonton Global.
the University of Alberta Hospital receives more than 2,400 patient visits per day from across Alberta, western Canada and the Northwest Territories. With the University of Alberta Hospital Foundation backing the University of Alberta Hospital, the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, and the Kaye Edmonton Clinic, the Edmonton Region solidifies its position as a leading center for clinical, research, and teaching excellence in Canada.
Learn more about the Edmonton region as an emerging biotech hub: https://edmontonglobal.ca/webinar-edmonton-region-as-a-biotech-hub/
About Edmonton Global:
The purpose of Edmonton Global is to radically transform and grow the economy of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. We are a not-for-profit corporation founded by 14 municipalities that make up the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. Our focus is attracting foreign investment, helping Regional businesses export with the world, enhancing our Region’s global competitiveness, and bringing our Region together with a unified voice to attract the attention and interest of investors the world over.
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Sherri Bouslama
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