23andMe, facing bankruptcy, sold its DNA database—containing genetic information from approximately 15 million individuals—to Regeneron Pharmaceuticals for $256 million. This significant transaction highlights the increasing commercial value of large-scale genetic datasets.
The sale followed public pressure and regulatory scrutiny surrounding the protection of sensitive genetic data. Regeneron has committed to upholding 23andMe's existing privacy policy, allowing users to request the deletion of their personal information.
This deal emphasizes the growing importance of genetic data in pharmaceutical research and development. Regeneron's acquisition underscores the potential for large-scale genetic databases to drive innovation in drug discovery and personalized medicine.
Bankrupt genetic-testing firm 23andMe agreed to sell its data bank, which once contained DNA samples from about 15 million people, to the drug developer Regeneron Pharmaceuticals for $256 million.
The sale comes after a wave of customers and government officials demanded that 23andMe protect the genetic data it had built up over the years by collecting saliva samples from customers. Regeneron pledged to comply with 23andMe’s privacy policy, which allows customers to have their personal information deleted upon request.
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