A leading professional society in pharmacology has taken coordinated editorial action on a series of publications associated with Italian pharmacologist Salvatore Cuzzocrea, amid ongoing legal scrutiny and concerns about research data integrity. The measures include multiple expressions of concern, corrections, and a retraction across two major journals.
In an editorial published in early April in The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and Molecular Pharmacology, the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics confirmed that 12 articles have been issued expressions of concern, two have been corrected, and one has been formally retracted. The researcher is listed as a coauthor or corresponding author on all affected publications.
According to the editorial, the actions followed an internal assessment led by the society’s ethics editor. The review identified several issues, including duplicated or altered western blot images, suboptimal image quality, and datasets lacking sufficient methodological transparency. Editors stated that these concerns required formal notification to ensure the reliability of the scientific record.
The retracted study, originally published in 2010, was found to contain image data that reappeared in a later article, which has also been withdrawn. The duplication had not been disclosed, and the authors were unable to provide a satisfactory explanation during the editorial review process.
In several additional cases, authors reported that original datasets were no longer available due to the time elapsed since publication, with some papers dating back to the early 2000s. While such cases may fall outside standard retention periods outlined by the Committee on Publication Ethics, the editors emphasized that unresolved image integrity concerns must still be addressed regardless of publication date.
The editorial further noted that the researcher acknowledged that the data in question originated from his laboratory. Despite being given multiple opportunities, the authors were unable to provide adequate supporting data or clarifications to resolve the issues raised.
Additional corrections were issued to two articles that involved relatively limited issues, such as labeling inaccuracies and overexposed images. However, the majority of flagged publications were associated with more substantive concerns, particularly involving Western blot and photomicrograph data.
These editorial developments coincide with an ongoing legal investigation in Italy. Authorities have alleged misuse of research funds and procedural irregularities in awarding academic contracts. Reports indicate that financial assets have been seized as part of the inquiry, which is currently proceeding through the judicial system without a final ruling.
Despite these developments, Salvatore Cuzzocrea remains affiliated with the University of Messina and continues to be active within the academic community.
The case highlights broader challenges in maintaining research integrity, particularly in relation to image-based data and long-term data preservation. It underscores the need for strengthened editorial oversight, adherence to transparent reporting practices, and alignment with established ethical frameworks such as those outlined by COPE.