Regeneron, the US pharmaceutical giant, is set to acquire 23andMe for $256 million. This move marks a significant turning point for 23andMe, a company once hailed as a promising startup in the genetic testing sector but which, in recent years, was in serious crisis with declining sales, mounting losses, and significant debt.

The acquisition follows 23andMe’s Chapter 11 filing in March, a bankruptcy protection mechanism similar to Italy’s remarkable governance. Regeneron emerged as the victor in a bankruptcy auction, paving the way for this acquisition.

Data and Drug Advancement

A key aspect of this acquisition is Regeneron’s access to 23andMe’s extensive genetic database.the pharmaceutical company intends to leverage this data to develop new drugs,emphasizing that the conditions that users have granted their data,though,will not change. This assurance is crucial for maintaining user trust and adhering to privacy standards.

Users who wish to remove their information from the company’s databases will be able to cancel them. This provision underscores the importance of data privacy and user control in the age of genetic information.

The Future of commercial DNA Tests

23andMe will continue to offer its commercial DNA tests, which are popular for connecting individuals with genetic relatives and exploring ancestral origins. However, it’s important to note that they are not always reliable and may not fully align with user expectations. These tests also raise privacy concerns that consumers should consider.

the information provided by these tests though they are not always reliable or do not correspond to the promises of companies, and also have various critical issues from the point of view of privacy.

The acquisition is expected to be finalized by September 2025, pending approval from bankruptcy judges and antitrust authorities. This timeline reflects the regulatory scrutiny and legal processes involved in such a significant transaction.