Donation doubles endowment of NC cancer hospital

CHAPEL HILL — A global drug manufacturer has doubled the endowment of the North Carolina Cancer Hospital by making a $2 million donation.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported the U.S. arm of drug manufacturer Sanofi-Aventis donated the money Monday. Officials at the New Jersey drug manufacturer say the gift was given in recognition of strong research at the hospital, which is part of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The money represents more than half of the hospital’s total endowment which now stands at just under $4 million.

Hospital officials say the money will probably pay for new research and therapies and a support center for patients’ families.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)