Henrietta Lacks' Family Files Lawsuit Against Novartis and Viatris Over HeLa Cell Use

The lawsuit claims the pharmaceutical companies profited from the unauthorized use of Lacks' cells, raising ethical and racial issues.

The HeLa cell line was derived from Henrietta Lacks' cervical cells taken without her consent in 1951.
Her family is seeking financial compensation and a halt to the use of HeLa cells without permission.
The lawsuit follows similar actions against other biotech firms, one of which resulted in a settlement.
HeLa cells have been crucial in numerous medical breakthroughs, including polio vaccines and cancer treatments.
The case underscores ongoing concerns about medical ethics and racial exploitation in scientific research.