U of M investigates doctor's possible role in stem-cell research

The University of Manitoba is the latest body investigating the staff and work of a Winnipeg-based stem-cell research company.

The university is looking into whether one of its family medicine faculty members, Dr. Susan Hauch, was involved in a controversial international stem-cell clinical trial run by Regenetek Inc.

• Patients still waiting for refunds for stem-cell treatment deposits
• RCMP, Health Canada investigate stem-cell researcher
• Researcher defends his stem-cell work

"An investigation has been triggered under our University of Manitoba Responsible Conduct of Research Policy," Ilana Simon, director of communications and marketing for the Faculty of Health Sciences, wrote in an email.

"The Office of the Vice-President Research and International oversees such investigations. At this point, such an investigation, as it involves a personnel matter, would be confidential."

Hauch is an associate professor in the university's Department of Family Medicine. 

The university won't confirm how long the investigation by Digvir Jayas will take, but did say appeals could extend the time-period.

Hauch is named in government and court documents as a Regenetek director and a related company, The CliniCard Inc.. Both are headed by Winnipeg businessman Doug Broeska.

He charged about 70 multiple sclerosis and ALS patients from around the world up to $45,000 US for treatment in India.

Ethical standards in Canada or India preclude paying patients to be part of a clinical trial.

Several Regenetek patients have provided CBC News with letters Hauch wrote and recordings where she provided medical advice via Skype. Several of them tell CBC they also sent complaints to the College of Physicians of Surgeons of Manitoba.  

The College says it's not permitted to comment on any complaints unless there is a final disciplinary finding.

Hauch couldn't be reached for comment. In January, she told CBC News her lawyer told her not to speak to the media until all the documents and files had been reviewed.

However, she told the Winnipeg Free Press she'd been "duped" and "scammed" by Broeska.

"It's very unfortunate things had to come out this way, because it's shattered a lot of lives," Hauch told the newspaper. "This has been a very shocking situation."

RCMP investigating complaints

Meanwhile, the RCMP is also investigating Regenetek and complaints from patients who paid $20,000 US deposits for treatment they never received.

"This is an ongoing investigation. We cannot compromise the investigation or any possible future court proceedings by discussing any particulars at this time. We will provide an update when we are able," a spokesperson in Manitoba wrote last week.

A spokeswoman for Health Canada says Regenetek's work would be subject to the Food and Drug Act. The agency is reviewing Regenetek "with a focus on mitigating any risk to health, and identifying any activities that Regenetek may be conducting that are regulated by Health Canada."

Some patients have been publicly questioning Doug Broeska's qualifications, his research methodology, and the treatment in India for nearly two years.

Several say they complained to police and regulators, but authorities only started investigating after media reports earlier this year.

In a LinkedIn profile, Broeska claimed to have a PhD from the University of Manitoba. The university says that's not true.

Broeska has produced a PhD certificate from Brightland University as proof of his qualifications. That university is unaccredited in the United States and United Kingdom, and the University of Manitoba confirms it would not recognize a degree obtained from there.

His most recent LinkedIn profile still says he graduated from the University of Manitoba Brightland, an institution that does not exist.

The University of Winnipeg's ethics board has also rejected a proposal to do follow-up rehabilitation with patients recruited through Regenetek.

Broeska has said he welcomes the investigations, saying he looks forward to the truth coming out and vindicating him.

In an open letter published online last month — which has since been removed — Broeska said he hopes to continue his stem-cell research with new partners and will honor the deposits paid by prospective patients.

He and his former Indian partners have pointed fingers at each other, saying each other is to blame for the delays in returning patient deposits.

Broeska has sued a former employee, alleging she stole confidential patient and research documents. He has also indicated plans to sue the Winnipeg Free Press for defamation.