The federal Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP), which monitors how human subjects are treated in trials, could conduct an independent investigation. Experts, however, remain skeptical. The agency's public assessments of research misconduct peaked in 2002 when it issued over 100 "determination letters." This year, it issued one, showing how its oversight activities "are moribund," said Carome, the agency's associate director for regulatory affairs from 2002 to 2010.