Regeneron Buys 23andMe to Harvest Genetic Data
Tarrytown, New York, USA: Pharmaceutical giant Regeneron is acquiring consumer DNA pioneer 23andMe for $256 million after the latter filed for bankruptcy. The deal grants Regeneron access to over 12 million genetic profiles for drug discovery. Privacy advocates question how a pharma company might use personal DNA data. Regeneron promises to uphold 23andMe’s prior user agreements, letting individuals opt out. Analysts say this could accelerate medical breakthroughs but worry about potential ethical trade-offs.
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Key Entities
- • Regeneron Pharmaceuticals: A major biotech firm known for immunology drugs like Dupixent; aims to leverage genetics for targeted treatments.
- • 23andMe: Once a leading consumer DNA testing startup with over 12 million customers, struggled with profitability.
- • Genetic Database: The core asset, containing anonymized or partially identifiable data that researchers can mine for disease links.
- • Privacy Advocates: Warn that pharma ownership changes user consent and raises concerns about data security or future expansions of usage.
- • Bankruptcy Proceedings: Enabled the acquisition, as 23andMe’s assets—including genetic data—were for sale to satisfy creditors.
Bias Distribution
Multi-Perspective Analysis
Left-Leaning View
(No major coverage).
Centrist View
Emphasizes data usage concerns and scientific potential.
Right-Leaning View
(No major coverage).
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