Did Henrietta Lacks' Family Just Win Another Lawsuit Over Her Stolen Cells?

The family of Henrietta Lacks, a Black woman whose cervical cells were taken without consent in 1951 and have since contributed significantly to medical research, has reached a settlement with biotech giant Novartis. This settlement marks a pivotal moment in a long battle for justice for Lacks' family, who have fought for recognition and compensation for the use of her "immortal" HeLa cells, which have been crucial in various medical breakthroughs.

Last updated: 15 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Henrietta Lacks' family has successfully reached a settlement with Novartis, following their previous settlement with Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. This recent development continues to shine a light on the ethical implications of medical research practices, particularly concerning informed consent and the rights of individuals whose biological materials are used for profit. Although the specific terms of the Novartis settlement remain confidential, the family expresses satisfaction, viewing it as a step towards justice for Lacks and recognition of her contributions to science.

Key takeaways

• The family of Henrietta Lacks has reached a settlement with Novartis regarding the use of her HeLa cells.
• HeLa cells, taken without consent in 1951, have led to significant medical advancements.
• Lacks died at the age of 31, and her family has fought for justice for decades.

Timeline: how we got here

The story of Henrietta Lacks and her cells spans over seventy years, culminating in recent legal actions. Key milestones include:

• 1951: Henrietta Lacks is diagnosed with cervical cancer, and doctors at Johns Hopkins Hospital take a sample of her tumour without her consent.
• 1951: The first HeLa cells are cultured, which exhibit unique properties allowing them to multiply indefinitely.
• 1951–2021: HeLa cells contribute to various medical breakthroughs, including the polio vaccine and cancer research.
• 2020: The Lacks family settles with Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. for undisclosed terms.
• October 2023: A settlement is reached with Novartis, with details remaining confidential.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent settlement with Novartis is a significant development, although the details are not publicly available. This agreement follows a longstanding legal battle by Lacks' family to seek justice for the unauthorised use of her cells.

What was already established

Henrietta Lacks' cells, known as HeLa cells, have been instrumental in medical science but were taken without consent. The ethical implications of this case have sparked widespread discussions about informed consent in medical research, especially concerning vulnerable populations.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The implications of the Lacks case extend to consumers and households in the UK, as it raises awareness about medical ethics and consent. As discussions around consent and the ownership of biological materials grow, UK residents may begin to question the practices of healthcare providers and the pharmaceutical industry.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses in biotech and pharmaceuticals, this case underscores the importance of ethical practices and transparency. Companies may face increased scrutiny regarding their research methods, which could lead to changes in hiring practices and compliance with ethical standards.

Policy and regulation

This case may influence policy discussions in the UK regarding medical ethics, particularly concerning informed consent. Lawmakers may consider tighter regulations around the use of human biological materials to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.

Numbers that matter

• 1951: Year Henrietta Lacks' cells were taken without consent.
• 31: Age of Lacks at her death due to cancer.
• 70: Years since Lacks' cells have been used in research.
• Billions: Estimated profits made by pharmaceutical companies from HeLa cells.

Definitions and jargon buster

• HeLa cells: A line of human cells derived from Henrietta Lacks, which can multiply indefinitely and have been used extensively in medical research.
• Informed consent: The process by which a patient voluntarily agrees to a medical procedure or treatment, having been informed of the risks and benefits.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the upcoming weeks, attention will likely focus on the implications of the Novartis settlement and any potential changes in policies regarding consent in medical research.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the next several months, discussions may emerge in the UK regarding ethical practices in the biotech industry, especially related to how biological materials are sourced and used.

Signals to watch

• Monitoring legislative proposals relating to consent laws in medical research.
• Observing changes in corporate practices among biotech firms following public scrutiny.
• Tracking public discourse on the ethics of medical research and consent.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about your rights regarding consent in medical treatments.
• Engage in discussions about medical ethics and the importance of informed consent.

Don’t

• Assume that all medical procedures are conducted with full transparency.
• Ignore the implications of consent in biomedicine.

Checklist

• Understand the importance of informed consent in healthcare.
• Research your rights regarding biological materials used in medical research.
• Follow developments in medical ethics discussions and legislation.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the settlement with Novartis is a significant step for Lacks' family, the lack of transparency regarding the terms raises questions about accountability and future litigation. Additionally, ongoing lawsuits against other pharmaceutical companies highlight the continuing struggle for justice and the need for broader industry reforms.

Bottom line

The settlement with Novartis represents a crucial moment in the legacy of Henrietta Lacks, acknowledging the ethical violations surrounding the use of her cells. It serves as a reminder of the importance of informed consent in medical research and the need for ongoing dialogue about ethical practices in the industry.

FAQs

What are HeLa cells?

HeLa cells are a line of human cells taken from Henrietta Lacks, known for their ability to multiply indefinitely and have been pivotal in medical research.

Why is Henrietta Lacks significant?

Henrietta Lacks is significant because her cells, taken without consent, have led to major medical advancements while highlighting ethical issues in medical research.

What does the settlement with Novartis mean for Lacks' family?

The settlement with Novartis represents a form of justice for Lacks' family, recognising the exploitation of her cells and their impact on medical science.