Novartis settles with woman’s estate over use of her “stolen” cells to advance medicine

Novartis has recently settled a lawsuit with the estate of Henrietta Lacks, a woman whose cells were taken without her knowledge in 1951 and used for major medical advancements. The lawsuit alleged that Novartis unjustly profited from Lacks’ cells, which were crucial in the development of the polio vaccine and other medical breakthroughs. The details of the settlement, finalized in federal court in Maryland, have not been made public.

The joint statement released by the Lacks family and Novartis expressed their satisfaction with finding a resolution outside of court. This settlement marks the second agreement in lawsuits filed by the estate against biomedical companies that have benefited from the exploitation of Black patients like Lacks.

The lawsuit against Novartis demanded the full amount of net profits obtained from commercializing the HeLa cell line, which was cultivated from what the complaint described as “stolen cells.” The settlement brings an end to the legal battle between Novartis, a leading pharmaceutical company, and the estate of Henrietta Lacks, a woman who tragically passed away at the young age of 31 from cervical cancer.

Henrietta Lacks’ story is a poignant reminder of the medical injustices faced by Black patients in the past. Her cervical cells, taken without her consent, became the first human cells to continuously grow and reproduce in laboratory settings. These HeLa cells revolutionized modern medicine, paving the way for genetic mapping, COVID-19 vaccines, and numerous scientific advancements. Despite the immense impact of Lacks’ cells on the field of medicine, her family never received compensation for their contribution.

While Johns Hopkins Hospital, where Lacks was treated, claimed they never profited from the cell lines, many companies have patented methods for utilizing them. In a previous settlement with Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Lacks’ estate argued that the company continued to benefit commercially from the HeLa cell line long after its origins were known.

There are still ongoing lawsuits against companies like Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical and Viatris, with the Lacks estate seeking justice for the exploitation of Henrietta Lacks’ cells. The family’s attorneys have hinted at the possibility of filing additional complaints in the future.

Henrietta Lacks’ legacy is a powerful reminder of the ethical considerations surrounding medical research and the importance of acknowledging the contributions of marginalized communities. Her story, documented in the bestselling book “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot, has shed light on the impact of scientific advancements on the lives of individuals and their families. Oprah Winfrey’s portrayal of Lacks’ daughter in an HBO movie further brought attention to this remarkable and tragic tale.