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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsLeen Kawas resigned as Athira Pharma’s president and CEO and left the company’s board in October 2021, after an Athira-appointed independent committee concluded that she had altered images in her doctoral dissertation and at least four coauthored research papers. Mark Litton, then Athira’s chief operating officer, succeeded her as CEO and joined the board.
What the investigation found
Athira announced on October 21, 2021, that its independent special committee had concluded its investigation. The company said the committee found that Kawas altered images in her 2011 doctoral dissertation and in at least four research papers she coauthored while a graduate student at Washington State University (WSU). The papers were published from 2011 through 2014. Athira’s announcement describes the committee’s conclusion; it is not a court ruling or a finding attributed to WSU.
How the leadership change unfolded
- June 16, 2021: Athira’s board placed Kawas on temporary paid leave while the company reviewed actions arising from her doctoral research at WSU. She remained a board member at that point. The company’s June 17 SEC filing reported the board’s decision.
- October 18, 2021: SEC-filed disclosures state that Kawas submitted her resignation as president and CEO and as a board member, effective that day. Mark Litton was appointed president and CEO and joined the board. Athira’s quarterly filing records the timing.
- October 21, 2021: Athira publicly announced the transition and the committee’s findings.
Was ATH-1017 involved?
Athira said the committee found that neither the U.S. patent for ATH-1017 nor the patent application cited the papers identified as containing altered images. The company also said ATH-1017, its lead development candidate, was not the subject of Kawas’s doctoral research. These are Athira’s statements about that specific drug and patent record.
A later company disclosure adds a separate qualification. In its January 2023 prospectus supplement, Athira said the committee found that the company had cited challenged papers in certain communications and applications, and that WSU’s dihexa patent, which Athira exclusively licensed, incorporated some altered images. Those references concern other company materials and the dihexa patent; they do not contradict Athira’s distinct statement about the ATH-1017 patent and application. The 2023 SEC filing sets out these additional disclosures.
What Athira said about the clinical-trial data
In its October 2021 announcement, Athira reported that Biotrial, an independent contract research organization, conducted the ATH-1017 Phase 1a/b trial, and that QACV Consulting confirmed good clinical practice (GCP) compliance and data-management quality. These details are the company’s account; they are distinct from the committee’s findings about Kawas’s earlier academic work.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is known about WSU’s separate review
Athira’s 2023 prospectus supplement said WSU had undertaken its own review of claims involving Kawas’s doctoral research. At that time, Athira said it could not predict when the review would conclude or what findings WSU might reach. The cited filing does not establish the review’s present status.
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