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Settlement reached in historic case over HeLa cells
The estate of Henrietta Lacks has resolved a legal dispute with Swiss pharmaceutical firm Novartis, marking the second settlement for the family over the unauthorized commercial use of her cervical cells. The terms remain confidential.
Background: The origin of HeLa cells
In 1951, Lacks, a 31-year-old Black mother from Baltimore, sought treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital for severe abdominal pain and abnormal bleeding. Physicians discovered a malignant tumor on her cervix but took a tissue sample without her knowledge or consent before beginning cancer treatment.
While most cell cultures perished quickly in labs, Lacks' cells demonstrated unprecedented vitality, dividing indefinitely. Dubbed "HeLa" cells-derived from her first and last name-this "immortal" cell line became foundational for medical breakthroughs, including the polio vaccine and advancements in HIV, cancer, and infertility research.
Decades of exploitation without compensation
Despite the global scientific impact of HeLa cells, Lacks' family received no financial benefit. She died months after her diagnosis and was buried in an unmarked grave. Her descendants later learned of the widespread use of her cells, which generated billions in revenue for biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
In 2023, the family reached an undisclosed settlement with Thermo Fisher Scientific, a Massachusetts-based biotech firm. Litigation against other drug companies remains ongoing.
Novartis settlement details
The latest agreement, announced this week, resolves a lawsuit filed in Maryland on behalf of Lacks' estate. Neither party disclosed the financial terms.
"Members of the Henrietta Lacks family and Novartis are pleased they were able to find a way to resolve this matter outside of court,"
Joint statement from the Lacks family and Novartis
The family's attorney, Ben Crump, told the New York Times that the settlement represents "some measure of justice" and restores dignity to Lacks' legacy.
"For the family and her grandchildren, this is certainly justice because people said they would never realize any benefit or compensation from her immortal HeLa cells, even though these pharmaceutical companies were profiting billions."
Ben Crump, family attorney
Broader implications
The case has reignited debates over medical ethics, informed consent, and racial disparities in healthcare. Lacks' story, documented in the 2010 bestseller The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, underscores the exploitation of Black patients in medical research.
While the settlement does not set a legal precedent, it signals growing accountability for corporations profiting from historically unethical practices. The WHO has previously acknowledged the global impact of HeLa cells while condemning the lack of consent in their acquisition.
