Toronto (April 19, 2007) - Following their original gift of $10 million in 2003, Rob and Cheryl McEwen have donated a second $10 million to support breakthrough research at the McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine at University Health Network (UHN). This $20 million represents the largest cumulative gift in regenerative medicine and stem cell research in Canada.

"University Health Network is among the leaders of the global regenerative medicine research boom," said Rob McEwen, CEO and Chairman of the Board of US Gold Corporation. "Some of the world's top regenerative medicine scientists and medical professionals work at the McEwen Centre. It's their commitment to finding answers that compels me to support their leading edge research"

Regenerative medicine uses the power of stem cells to repair, regenerate or replace damaged cells, tissues or organs.

Dr. Gordon Keller, a leading stem cell researcher and the Founding Director of the McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine, knows well the impact of such gifts, as he was recruited to UHN from New York's Mount Sinai School of Medicine following the McEwens' first $10 million gift.

"We are extremely excited to receive this additional support for the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine. It was this steadfast commitment by the McEwens that played a strong factor in my decision to come to UHN, and I believe that it will help us recruit and retain the best scientists in the field. The opportunities that this gift provides will undoubtedly result in major advances in regenerative medicine," said Dr. Keller.

The team of Investigators at the McEwen Centre are pursuing research in several exciting areas of regenerative medicine including:

  • Understanding how stem cells develop into different cell types.
  • Developing new methods of using stem cells to treat disease and repair damaged tissue.
  • Using stem cells as tools to better understand the progression of diseases such as cancer.

"Prosperity in the 21st century is all about investing in the skills, knowledge and creativity of our people," said Premier and Minister of Research and Innovation Dalton McGuinty. "The McEwens' generous donation will help enable world-class research to be done right here in our province so Ontario will continue to be home to rewarding jobs, a strong economy and the best quality of life."

This gift will support several initiatives at the Centre, including; post-doctoral fellowships, an embryonic stem cell laboratory, imaging facilities and programs to accelerate the development of promising research discoveries.

University Health Network and Toronto General and Western Hospital Foundation is committed to raising $30 million over three years to support the McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine.

About the McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine

The McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine was established in 2003 with a generous donation from Rob and Cheryl McEwen. Its mission is to be a catalyst for regenerative medicine by facilitating collaboration and promoting research and awareness in the field. The McEwen Centre's ultimate goal is to accelerate the development of better and more effective treatments for life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease and spinal cord injury and be a world renowned Centre for regenerative medicine and stem cell biology. The McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine is fully affiliated with University Health Network, which includes Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Hospital and their affiliated research institutes – Toronto General Research Institute, Toronto Western Research Institute and the Ontario Cancer Institute.

Media Contact

Phone: 416 340 4636
Email: UHN.News@uhn.ca

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