A pharmaceutical company based in Bothell, Washington, has agreed to pay over $4 million to settle allegations that it used falsified academic research to secure grants from the National Institute of Health (NIH). The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. The research involved studies on age-related cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's disease. However, the company failed to inform NIH about allegations against its former CEO regarding research misconduct related to her doctoral dissertation.
U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman emphasized the importance of integrity in scientific 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 also noted that Athira Pharma acted promptly by notifying NIH once its board became aware of the issue.
Brian M. Boynton, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General and head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, commented on the settlement's significance: “Today’s settlement demonstrates that the Department of Justice will pursue grantees that undermine the integrity of federal funding decisions.”
The allegations concern events between January 1, 2016, and June 20, 2021. During this period, Athira Pharma allegedly did not report accusations against Leen Kawas for manipulating scientific images used in grant applications submitted to NIH.
The settlement resolves claims brought under the False Claims Act's whistleblower provisions by Andrew P. Mallon, Ph.D., who will receive $203,434 as part of the settlement. The case is titled U.S. ex rel. Andrew Mallon v. Athira Pharma, Inc., No. 2:21-853-RSL (W.D. Wash.).
This resolution was achieved through a coordinated effort involving several branches within the Justice Department and assistance from other government agencies.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nickolas Bohl and Trial Attorney Erin Colleran handled this matter for their respective offices.
It is important to note that these are only allegations and there has been no determination of liability.