U of M Regents Suspend Enrollment in Psych Drug Studies

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The University of Minnesota Board of Regents has endorsed a plan to suspend enrollment in psychiatric drug studies and provide more oversight on human research.

The decision comes after the legislative auditor raised ethics issues in the recruitment and treatment of a patient in a schizophrenia drug study. Dan Markinson committed suicide six months after enrolling in the 2004 study.

Before Friday's vote, University president Eric Kaler apologized to Markinson's mother for his death "while under our care." Markinson's mother wasn't at the meeting.

The resolution suspends enrollment in psychiatric studies until they're reviewed by an independent board. The university also plans to appoint a community oversight board with research ethics experts.

Carl Elliott, a university medical ethicist, says the resolution doesn't go far enough.