A biopharmaceutical company based in Bothell, Washington, has agreed to pay over $4 million to settle allegations of using falsified academic research to secure federal grants. This was announced by U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. The allegations involved studies on age-related cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's disease. The company failed to inform the National Institute of Health (NIH) about accusations against its former CEO for research misconduct involving manipulated images from her doctoral dissertation.
The case came to light through a qui tam lawsuit, and the whistleblower will receive a portion of the settlement for exposing the fraud.
U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman emphasized the importance of integrity in neurological disorder research, stating: “The research into neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease is critical to growing numbers of patients in our community. That research must not be tainted by the misconduct highlighted in this case.” She acknowledged Athira's cooperation after its board became aware of the issue: “To its credit, Athira immediately notified NIH of the research misconduct after the full board of directors learned of it."
Brian M. Boynton, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, remarked on maintaining trust between scientific communities and federal entities: “The partnership between the scientific community and the federal government is built on trust and shared values of ethical scientific conduct.”
The settlement addresses claims that Athira Pharma Inc., from January 2016 to June 2021, did not report allegations regarding former CEO Leen Kawas' manipulation of scientific images used in NIH grant applications.
Under qui tam provisions, Andrew P. Mallon filed an action leading to his receipt of $203,434 from this settlement.
This resolution resulted from collaboration among various departments including Justice Department’s Civil Division and U.S. Attorney’s Office for Western District Washington with help from Health and Human Services Office Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nickolas Bohl and Trial Attorney Erin Colleran managed this matter which underscores efforts against healthcare fraud under False Claims Act regulations.
It is noted that these resolved claims are only allegations without any determination of liability.
