Henrietta Lacks: Family of woman whose cells were 'stolen' settles second lawsuit
Novartis is the second drug company to settle a lawsuit brought by the family of a woman whose cells have enabled huge advances in science.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"For the family and her grandchildren, this is certainly justice because people said they would never realize any benefit or compensation from her immortal HeLa cells, even though these pharmaceutical companies were profiting billions and billions of dollars."
— Ben Crump , Activist
"pleased they were able to find a way to resolve this matter filed by Henrietta Lacks’ Estate outside of court"
— Ben Crump , Activist
"the full amount of its net profits obtained by commercializing the HeLa cell line"
— Henrietta Lacks , Other
"the full amount of its net profits obtained by commercializing the HeLa cell line"
— Henrietta Lacks , Other
Key People
Alfred Lacks Carter is a grandson of Henrietta Lacks and has participated in legal actions concerning his grandmother's legacy.
Ben Crump is a civil rights attorney representing the family of Henrietta Lacks.
Henrietta Lacks was a black woman whose cervical cells were taken without her knowledge in 1951, leading to significant medical advancements.
Oprah Winfrey is a prominent media executive and television host.
Rebecca Skloot is the author of the bestselling book 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks'.
Ron Lacks is a grandson of Henrietta Lacks and has been involved in advocating for his family's legacy.
Tags
All Coverage
Novartis is the second drug company to settle a lawsuit brought by the family of a woman whose cells have enabled huge advances in science.
Novartis has settled a ... with the estate of Henrietta L ... , resolving claims that the pharmaceutical company unjustly profited from her cells taken without consent in 1951.
Novartis has settled a lawsuit with the estate of Henrietta Lacks, resolving claims that the pharmaceutical company unjustly profited from her cells taken without consent in 1951.
Novartis has agreed to a settlement with the family of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were taken without consent and led to significant scientific advancements.
Novartis has settled a ... .
Novartis has settled a ... .
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
How the trial of murdered Australian brothers and US friend unfolded
The mother of two Australian surfers murdered in Mexico two years ago with their American friend said "accountability matters".
October 10, 2026 at 06:04 AMWhat happens when you don't know your family medical history?
People who have been adopted or in care sometimes struggle to access family medical history which would be crucial to their own health.
October 10, 2026 at 05:45 AMTrump takes suit against Hillary Clinton over 2016 election to Supreme Court - Reuters
Trump takes suit against Hillary Clinton over 2016 election to Supreme Court Reuters
October 9, 2026 at 11:36 PMWatch: 'I am Jane Doe' protests across US call for end to sexual violence
Protests against sexual violence took place across more than 40 US states on 8 October.
October 9, 2026 at 04:19 PMICC prosecutor condemns US sanctions, says work will continue - Reuters
ICC prosecutor condemns US sanctions, says work will continue Reuters
October 9, 2026 at 02:12 PMQualcomm and Arm set for jury verdict in contract breach feud - Reuters
Qualcomm and Arm set for jury verdict in contract breach feud Reuters
October 9, 2026 at 12:28 PM