Alzheimer’s Researcher Indicted on Fraud Charges: Is Scientific Integrity under Threat?

In a shocking turn of events, the U.S. Department of Justice has indicted Hoau-Yan Wang, a neuroscientist at City University of New York (CUNY) and a paid consultant for Cassava Sciences, on charges of defrauding the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in grant applications supporting the company’s Alzheimer’s drug. According to court documents filed with the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, Wang secured $16 million in NIH funding by submitting fraudulent grant applications on behalf of himself and Cassava. The indictment alleges that Wang made false and misleading statements to the NIH in order to obtain funding and enrich himself through continued compensation.

The scheme was aimed at obtaining NIH funding through deception. This news comes as outside researchers and CUNY investigators have raised concerns about the integrity of Wang’s work, alleging that his research contains fabricated and falsified data. Wang published key papers supporting the effectiveness of simufilam, an experimental Alzheimer’s therapy being tested by Cassava. However, these findings have been called into question due to potential issues with accuracy and methodology.

As a result of this controversy, many are calling for greater transparency and accountability in scientific research, particularly when it comes to funding from government agencies like the NIH. This exclusive story from STAT+ provides insights into the ongoing controversy surrounding Cassava Sciences and its collaborator, Hoau-Yan Wang. By subscribing to STAT+, readers can access daily coverage and analysis of the biotech sector, including updates on this developing story. Upgrade to a STAT+ subscription to unlock this article and access more exclusive content.