An ongoing investigation into the allegations of fraud by Dr. Andrew Wakefield, concerning a paper regarding the impact of vaccines on autism, is being conducted by internationally respected scientist Dr. David Lewis. Early results of his investigation show that Dr. Wakefield’s paper contained no fraud.
According to Dr. Lewis, there is no evidence that Dr. Wakefield fabricated the diagnosis of non-specific colitis for 11 children, as had been claimed.
According to Dr. Lewis, as reported by PR Newswire:
“The grading sheets and other evidence in Wakefield's files clearly show that it is unreasonable to conclude, based on a comparison of the histological records, that Andrew Wakefield 'faked' a link between the MMR vaccine and autism ... Now that these records have seen the light of day, it is time for others to stop using them for this purpose as well. False allegations of research misconduct can destroy the careers of even the most accomplished and reputable scientists overnight. It may take years for them to prove their innocence; and even then the damages are often irreparable.”