The University of Tokyo fired researcher Hisashi Moriguchi on Friday over his bogus claim that he conducted the world's first clinical trial using a trailblazing stem cell technology, it said.

While Moriguchi, 48, earlier claimed that six people with serious heart failure were treated using induced pluripotent stem cells, the university said at least five of the cases were fabricated and he has seriously damaged the university's reputation.

"It is extremely regrettable that a member of staff has caused such a problem," said Fumio Isoda, a university board member in charge of human resources.

Moriguchi was hired in September 2010 for a project to develop refrigeration techniques for cells and body organs.