Suspension of Human Research Studies at Columbia's Psychiatric Institute Following Participant Suicide
The US Department of Health and Human Services has suspended human research studies at a psychiatric institute affiliated with Columbia University following the reported suicide of a research participant. The investigation was initiated after a participant in a study testing a Parkinson's drug for late-life depression died by suicide while enrolled in the study. The New York State Psychiatric Institute voluntarily paused all research studies involving human subjects, and the Office for Human Research Protections is currently investigating the institute. The study was led by Dr. Bret R. Rutherford, who has since resigned from his position. The investigation is ongoing, and the review is expected to be completed next month.