Novartis and Viatris Face Legal Action for HeLa Cell Misuse

Monday, 5 August 2024, 20:42

Novartis and Viatris are facing a federal lawsuit filed by the family of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were taken without consent in the 1950s and used in medical research. The lawsuit claims that both companies have profited from the HeLa cells to develop drugs vital to their business success without compensating Lacks' estate. This case raises important ethical questions about consent in medical research and the commercialization of human tissue.

Yahoo Finance — Novartis and Viatris Face Legal Action for HeLa Cell Misuse

Novartis and Viatris in Legal Trouble

Novartis and Viatris have been hit with a federal lawsuit in Maryland filed by the family of Henrietta Lacks. This case centers on the misuse of HeLa cells, which were taken without authorization in the 1950s and have been used extensively in medical research.

Allegations Against the Companies

The lawsuit alleges that both companies profited unlawfully from HeLa cells to create drugs that have been key to their market success. The estate claims that they did not pay or gain permission from Lacks' family.

Conclusion

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing ethical issues surrounding the commercialization of human tissues in medical research. It raises essential questions about informed consent and the rights of individuals and their families.

This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.