Henrietta Lacks' Family Files New Lawsuits Against Major Pharma Companies Over HeLa Cell Exploitation

Henrietta Lacks' family has taken legal action against Novartis and Viatris, claiming that these massive biopharmaceutical companies have unfairly gained wealth by using Lacks' HeLa cells without obtaining permission from her family. The family is seeking restitution for the unauthorized use of Henrietta Lacks' immortal HeLa cells, which were extracted during her cervical cancer treatment at Johns Hopkins in 1951. These cells have become foundational in modern medicine, leading to numerous medical breakthroughs, including the development of the polio and COVID-19 vaccines.

Attorney Chris Ayers said in a statement, “Novartis and Viatris made conscious choices to commercialize the living genetic material of Henrietta Lacks, a Black woman, grandmother, and community leader whose tissue was taken without her knowledge or consent by doctors she trusted with her life. We will continue to pursue justice for Mrs. Lacks and her family." 

“The world now knows the story of Henrietta Lacks, which makes it all the more shocking, though not surprising, that pharmaceutical giants Novartis and Viatris continue to profit off the deeply unethical origins of HeLa cells and the disturbing history of medical racism. Representing the Lacks family and preserving Mrs. Lacks's legacy is one of the greatest honors of my career. We pledge to hold these companies accountable for exploiting her stolen cells,” said attorney Chris Seeger.