A former research manager at the University of Colorado at Boulder says he was fired for refusing to engage in research misconduct, according to a lawsuit filed Monday in federal court.
Brian Miller, who was research and data manager for the hemophilia and thrombosis center for a year ending in 2003, said the center’s director tried to get him to inappropriately reveal information and retaliated against him when he refused, according to the lawsuit.
Miller contends Marilyn Manco-Johnson, who was the principal investigator in a major children’s hemophilia research project, demanded information from a “blind” study she wasn’t supposed to have.
Manco-Johnson could not be reached for comment Monday evening.
Blind studies are designed to keep investigators from knowing which treatment group a patient is in so that experimental bias is not mistaken for treatment outcome.
Miller also contends that Manco-Johnson ordered him to exclude significant safety information from data to be submitted to a safety board, the lawsuit said.
As the study continued, Miller said in the lawsuit, it became apparent that one of the treatments was more effective, and he said he told Manco-Johnson that additional interim analysis should be discussed with the safety board. Miller said Manco-Johnson disregarded the suggestion and eventually fired him for pursuing it.
Miller is seeking compensation for lost wages and benefits and costs of the lawsuit.
Staff writer Alicia Caldwell can be reached at 303-820-1930 or acaldwell@denverpost.com.
