Novartis Settles Lacks Family Lawsuit Over Immortal Cells

Novartis recently reached a confidential settlement with the estate of Henrietta Lacks, addressing allegations of profiting from her famously resilient cells without proper consent.

This agreement is one part of an escalating legal battle initiated by Lacks' heirs against various pharmaceutical companies. The family contends these companies unjustly benefited from the 'HeLa' cell line, derived from Lacks' tissue without her knowledge or permission when she sought treatment for cervical cancer in 1951.

Since Lacks' death that year, her HeLa cells have become a cornerstone of biomedical research, contributing to developments such as the polio vaccine, HIV treatments, and sunscreens. The resolution with Novartis follows a similar settlement with Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2023.

Other legal actions persist against Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical and Viatris. Ultragenyx is vigorously contesting its case, asserting it has not profited from HeLa cells. However, a judge denied its motion to dismiss, finding potential liability for unjust enrichment if allegations are proven true.

The Lacks estate is employing a unique legal strategy concerning the statute of limitations, arguing that companies conducting intrastate business in Maryland without registering forfeit this defense. This tactic has significant implications for Novartis and Viatris as well, given their registration statuses in the state.

Ultragenyx's challenge to this legal provision was denied by an appeals court in April 2025. The case against Ultragenyx has since been reactivated, with trial preparations underway, while litigation against Viatris remains pending.