Michael J. Fox Foundation Sues Camden Facility for Alleged Freezer Mishap

Philadelphia Business Journal reports that the Michael J. Fox Foundation is suing the Coriell Institute in Camden for allegedly ruining valuable tissue samples when a freezer door was accidentally left open.

More than 25,000 specimens were “compromised,” according to the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in New Jersey (below).

The foundation — which is seeking more than $150,000 in damages — was paying Coriell to store the samples, which were being used in two Parkinson’s studies.

A Coriell spokesman said, “We have learned of the lawsuit and plan to vigorously defend ourselves against the allegations. However, we have a policy of not discussing matters that are in litigation.”

The Michael J. Fox Foundation is named after the actor, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease. It funds research into the causes and possible cures for the disease.