Source link : https://europ.info/2026/02/27/novartis-reaches-settlement-with-henrietta-lacks-estate-over-use-of-her-cells-to-advance-medicine/
In a landmark resolution, pharmaceutical giant Novartis has reached a settlement with the estate of Henrietta Lacks regarding the use of her cells, which were taken without her consent decades ago. Often referred to as the source of the famed HeLa cell line, Lacks’ cells have been instrumental in numerous medical breakthroughs, raising longstanding ethical questions about consent and ownership. The agreement marks a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue about patients’ rights and compensation in biomedical research.
Novartis Reaches Settlement with Henrietta Lacks Estate Over Cell Usage Controversy
Novartis has officially reached a landmark agreement with the estate of Henrietta Lacks, resolving long-standing disputes over the use of her cells, which were taken without consent in the 1950s. The settlement not only acknowledges the ethical complexities surrounding the HeLa cell line but also promises substantial compensation and increased collaboration between pharmaceutical companies and the Lacks family moving forward. This development marks a pivotal moment in biotech ethics, igniting broader debates about consent, ownership, and the commercialization of biological materials.
Key points of the settlement include:
- Financial compensation to the Henrietta Lacks estate
- Commitment to ethical standards in future cell line usage
- Establishment of a joint oversight committee involving Novartis and the Lacks family representatives
- Increased transparency in how HeLa…
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Author : Jackson Lee
Publish date : 2026-02-27 16:58:00
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