23 May 2025
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AI image generated by ChatGPT 23052025
Having filed for bankruptcy in March 2025, following a difficult few years’ trading since going public in 2021, 23andMe is now due to be bought by Regeneron for US$256 million.
Subject to approval by the bankruptcy courts and regulatory bodies, the sale of 23andMe to American pharmaceutical company, Regeneron, is due to complete in Autumn 2025.
23andMe have featured in the headlines in recent months, following a data breach in October 2023, and the $30 million pay-out to settle the subsequent lawsuits. In October 2024, all seven independent members of the 23andMe board resigned en masse; a response to CEO Anne Wojcicki’s plan to take 23andMe private.
Why would a drugs company wish to buy 23andMe?
At present Regeneron has a database of 3 million DNA testers. With an estimated 15 million people having tested with 23andMe, the majority of whom have historically provided permission for their DNA to be used for research purposes, the Regeneron research centre DNA database stands to grow and benefit dramatically with the inclusion of many of the 23andMe customers.
What does the sale of 23andMe mean for existing customers?
Reading the current terms and conditions and ensuring your account settings reflect your current preferences is advised.
Regeneron states:
‘Regeneron will prioritize the privacy, security and ethical use of 23andMe’s customer data’, additionally clarifying, ‘Regeneron intends to ensure compliance with 23andMe’s consumer privacy policies and applicable laws with respect to the treatment of customer data’.
Family historians who have tested with 23andMe may also be pleased to learn that ‘23andMe will be operated as a wholly owned direct or indirect subsidiary of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and continue operations as a personal genomics service’.
Find out more from Regeneron and 23andMe
Read more about 23andMe
- 23andMe board resign en masse (September 2024)
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DNA testing company 23andMe files for bankruptcy (March 2025)