23andMe

American personal genomics and biotechnology company

23andMe is a personal genomics and biotechnology company based in the United States. It is known for providing direct-to-consumer genetic testing services. Customers can purchase a DNA testing kit online, collect a saliva sample, and send it back to the company for analysis. The results provide information on ancestry, genetic predispositions to certain health conditions, and other genetic traits.

History

23andMe was founded in April 2006 by Anne Wojcicki, Linda Avey, and Paul Cusenza. The company was named after the 23 pairs of chromosomes in a normal human cell. In 2007, 23andMe launched its first direct-to-consumer genetic testing service.

Services

The company offers a variety of services, including ancestry reports, health predisposition reports, and wellness reports. The ancestry service provides information on a customer's ethnic background and potential relatives. The health predisposition reports offer insights into genetic risks for certain diseases, while the wellness reports provide information on traits such as lactose intolerance and muscle composition.

Technology

23andMe uses genotyping technology to analyze genetic variants in a customer's DNA. The company employs a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping array to identify specific genetic markers associated with various traits and conditions.

Regulatory Challenges

In 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered 23andMe to stop marketing its health-related genetic tests, citing concerns about the accuracy and interpretation of the results. The company complied and worked with the FDA to address these issues. In 2015, 23andMe received FDA approval to market a genetic test for Bloom syndrome, and in 2017, it received approval for tests related to 10 different diseases and conditions.

Partnerships and Research

23andMe has partnered with various organizations and research institutions to advance genetic research. The company has a large database of genetic information, which it uses for research purposes, with customer consent. This data has been used in studies related to Parkinson's disease, cancer, and other conditions.

Privacy and Ethics

The company has faced questions regarding the privacy and ethical implications of its services. 23andMe has implemented measures to protect customer data and offers options for customers to control how their genetic information is used.

Gallery

• 
  The logo of 23andMe.
• 
  23andMe headquarters.
• 
  A complete 23andMe DNA test kit.
• 
  23andMe test kit.

Related pages

• Genetic testing
• Personal genomics
• Biotechnology
• Direct-to-consumer advertising

23andMe

• 
  23andMe Logo
• 
  23andMe Headquarters
• 
  23andMe DNA Test Kit
• 
  23andMe Test Kit