But his story is about more than one man's fall from grace. Stripped to its essentials, it shows how federal rules for human research often fail to protect a vulnerable public. Despite issuing critical findings, regulators did not play a role in stopping him. His university, which could have profited from his invention, did not monitor his work. It was his staff members, worried that he might harm patients, who finally blew the whistle.
Studies are underway in universities, other research centers and doctors' offices.
Shocked into action, officials in the Department of Health and Human Services vow to improve protections. Patient advocates say changes are overdue. Research is big business. It is not scientists racing for a cure. His death pointed to flaws in the protections system and prompted a national debate on clinical studies.