University Hospital Foundation (UHF), the philanthropic support organization of the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton, has announced a C$4 million ($2.96 million) gift from Don Hunter to advance research for a cure to Alzheimer’s disease.

The funds from the local philanthropist—whose wife, Sophie, died from Alzheimer’s in 2012—are intended to serve as a matching gift to attract an additional C$6 million ($4.46 million) from private donors to fully fund drug-to-human clinical trials for a new Alzheimer’s treatment.

According to UHF, university researchers led by neurologist Jack Jhamandas—in collaboration with the University of Alberta’s Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology director Lorne Tyrell and virologist Michael Houghton, winner of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine—are “on the edge of a promising new drug candidate [entering the final phases before beginning human clinical trials] with the potential to not only prevent, but reverse the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease.”

“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,” said UHF president Jodi Abbott. “This is an opportunity to tackle a significant health challenge and make a difference that will be felt around the globe and in the lives of millions of people.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Koto Feja)