Investigation Finds UBC Scientist Faked Data, Gave Spinal Patients False Hope
A University of British Columbia professor fabricated results and concealed infections in a clinical trial for his patented skin-healing product Meshfill, giving patients and funders false hope, according to a leaked UBC-commissioned report obtained by CBC News and the Investigative Journalism Foundation (IJF).
Falsified results and hidden infections
The 64-page 2021 report says Dr. Aziz Ghahary, a longtime plastic-surgery researcher, “abandoned his scholarly integrity” while promoting Meshfill as a liquid skin substitute that could heal chronic pressure-ulcer wounds.
“These false claims gave patients and funders false hope,” investigators wrote, adding that no wounds healed and several became infected.
Despite the findings, UBC never publicly disclosed the misconduct investigation. Ghahary left the university later that year.
University cites privacy laws
UBC spokesperson Matthew Ramsey confirmed Ghahary’s 2021 departure but said privacy law prevents the school from releasing details, citing B.C.’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).
Bioethics expert Leigh Turner of the University of California, Irvine called the secrecy “extremely serious.”
“When these investigative reports disappear from view, an important educational opportunity never takes place,” he said.
‘An apology is warranted’
Turner argued study participants deserve full disclosure and an apology, noting the absence of transparency undermines trust in Canadian research institutions.
Although Meshfill never reached the market, Ghahary continued to serve on a biomedical company’s advisory board and reportedly received nearly $80,000 from UBC in 2023-24 for goods and services.
Years of ignored warnings
The inquiry began in 2019 after co-researcher Dr. Anthony Papp complained about Ghahary’s misleading claims. Investigators found he collected his own data, pressured a nurse to perform off-protocol treatments, and exaggerated wound-healing results in presentations and videos.
In reality, none of the spinal-injury patients’ bed sores healed; several became infected.
Ethical concerns extend beyond one case
Experts say the case highlights deeper flaws in how Canadian universities handle research misconduct.
“How can you just falsify data?” asked Prof. Emmanuelle Marceau of the University of Montreal. “It shocks the whole establishment of research.”
UBC declined to say whether it has changed its oversight or notified participants, leaving critics to question how such findings can remain hidden from the public.
