Novartis Reaches Settlement with Henrietta Lacks' Family Over HeLa Cells
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 28 2026
0mins
Source: Benzinga
- Settlement Reached: Novartis has reached a confidential settlement with the family of Henrietta Lacks, marking a resolution to the controversy surrounding the use of her cells without consent for medical research, with both parties expressing satisfaction despite undisclosed financial terms, indicating a recognition of historical injustices.
- Legal Context: The Lacks family filed the lawsuit nearly 70 years after her death, arguing that companies profited from cells obtained without permission, reflecting the complexities of ethics and legality in the biotech industry, particularly regarding patient consent.
- Scientific Contributions: Lacks' HeLa cells are renowned for their ability to multiply indefinitely in laboratory conditions, advancing global vaccine and disease research, with the World Health Organization crediting them for significant breakthroughs in polio, HIV, and cancer research, highlighting the tension between scientific advancement and ethical considerations.
- Ongoing Legal Actions: In 2023, the Lacks family settled with Thermo Fisher Scientific, yet lawsuits against other pharmaceutical companies remain active, demonstrating the family's strong resolve in pursuing justice and compensation for the unauthorized use of Henrietta Lacks' cells.
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Analyst Views on NVS
Wall Street analysts forecast NVS stock price to fall
6 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
4 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 155.080
Low
112.00
Averages
127.75
High
143.00
Current: 155.080
Low
112.00
Averages
127.75
High
143.00
About NVS
Novartis AG is a Switzerland-based pharmaceutical company. The Company develops, manufactures, and markets branded and generic prescription drugs, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), biosimilars and ophthalmic products. The Company uses science and digital technologies for treatments in the disease areas of immunology, dermatology, cancer, ophthalmology, neuroscience, respiratory, cardiovascular, renal and metabolism. The business activities of the Company are divided into two segments: Innovative Medicines, which includes innovative patent-protected prescription medicines for blood pressure, cancer and other ailments, and Sandoz, which includes generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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