Leen Kawas, PhD, resigned as CEO of Bothell, Wash.-based biotech Athira Pharma after an investigation exposed research misconduct during her time as a graduate student, the company said Oct. 21.
The company's investigation found that Dr. Kawas altered images in her 2011 doctoral dissertation and at least four research papers she co-wrote while earning her PhD at Washington State University. The papers were published between 2011 and 2014.
Ms. Kawas had been on leave since June. Mark Litton, PhD, who had been chief operating officer, took over Athira leadership responsibilities in her absence. He was appointed CEO amid her resignation.
The patent for ATH-1017, Athira's leading development candidate for Alzheimer's, does not cite any of Dr. Kawas' research containing altered images, according to a regulatory filing.
"The company and Dr. Kawas agreed it is in Athira’s best interest to enter this critical next chapter under new leadership. Dr. Kawas’s actions at Washington State University took place many years ago and did not involve ATH-1017, Athira’s lead development candidate," Kelly Romano, chair of Athira's board of directors, said in the statement. "We thank Dr. Kawas for her unwavering focus seeking to make a meaningful difference for Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers."