Novartis Settles Lawsuit with Henrietta Lacks’ Estate Over HeLa Cell Line Use
In a landmark decision, Novartis has settled a lawsuit brought by the estate of Henrietta Lacks, resolving allegations that the pharmaceutical company unjustly profited from the use of her cells – known as HeLa cells – without her knowledge or consent. The settlement, finalized in federal court in Maryland this month, follows a similar agreement reached in 2023 with Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., signaling a growing legal reckoning for companies that have commercially benefited from the immortalized cell line.
The History of HeLa Cells
Henrietta Lacks, a 31-year-old mother of five, underwent treatment for cervical cancer at Johns Hopkins Hospital in 1951. During her treatment, cells were taken from her tumor without her knowledge. These cells, unlike most human cells, were able to survive and reproduce indefinitely in a laboratory setting, becoming the first immortalized human cell line. Known as HeLa cells, they have since become invaluable to medical research.
Impact on Medical Advancements
HeLa cells have been instrumental in countless scientific breakthroughs, including the development of the polio vaccine as early as 1952, genetic mapping, and more recently, research related to COVID-19 vaccines. The cells’ unique properties have allowed researchers to study disease, test latest drugs, and explore the fundamental mechanisms of human biology.
The Lawsuit and Settlements
The lawsuit against Novartis, filed in 2024, sought the “full amount of its net profits obtained by commercializing the HeLa cell line,” arguing that the company had unjustly enriched itself from “stolen cells.” Whereas the details of the Novartis settlement remain confidential, the Lacks family and the company released a joint statement expressing satisfaction with the resolution .
This settlement marks the second successful outcome for the Lacks family in their legal efforts. In 2023, they reached an undisclosed settlement with Thermo Fisher Scientific, with lawyers arguing the company continued to profit from the cells even after their origins became widely known .
Ongoing Litigation
Despite these victories, the Lacks estate’s legal battles are not over. Lawsuits against Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical and Viatris remain active , and attorneys for the family have indicated they may file additional complaints in the future.
A Step Towards Correcting Historical Injustices
The settlements are being hailed by experts as a significant step toward addressing the historical exploitation of Black patients in medical research. Henrietta Lacks was a poor tobacco farmer from Virginia, and her family received no compensation for the use of her cells for decades. The legal actions aim to rectify this injustice and acknowledge the profound contribution of HeLa cells to modern medicine.
Johns Hopkins Hospital, where the cells were originally taken, has stated that it never sold or profited from the HeLa cell line, but many other companies have patented methods for utilizing them.
The Legacy of Henrietta Lacks
The story of Henrietta Lacks and her immortal cells gained wider public attention with the publication of Rebecca Skloot’s bestselling book, “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” in 2010, and a subsequent HBO film featuring Oprah Winfrey. Her legacy continues to inspire discussions about bioethics, informed consent, and the equitable treatment of patients in medical research.