Regeneron Pharmaceuticals has announced that it will be acquiring human genetics and biotechnology company 23andMe for $256m.
The agreement comes two months after 23andMe filed for bankruptcy protection to “facilitate a sale process to maximise the value of its business”.
After being named the successful bidder in the bankruptcy auction for substantially all of 23andMe’s assets, Regeneron is now planning to acquire the company’s Personal Genome Service, Total Health and Research Services business lines, as well as its Biobank and associated assets.
23andMe will continue all consumer genome services uninterrupted, operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of Regeneron. The agreement does not include 23andMe’s Lemonaid Health subsidiary, which will be wound down.
George Yancopoulos, co-founder, board co-chair, president and chief scientific officer of Regeneron, said: “We have deep experience with large-scale data management, having worked with collaborators around the world to link de-identified DNA sequences from nearly three million consented participants to electronic health records, safely and securely enabling future medical advances.
“We believe we can help 23andMe deliver and build upon its mission to help those interested in learning about their own DNA and how to improve their personal health, while furthering Regeneron’s efforts to use large-scale genetics research to improve the way society treats and prevents illness overall.”
Founded in 2006, 23andMe is best known for its direct-to-consumer genetic testing service that provides information on ancestry and genetic health predispositions. The company also offers a crowdsourced platform for genetic research, with 80% of its customers opting to participate.
As part of the acquisition, Regeneron said it will “prioritise the privacy, security and ethical use of 23andMe’s customer data” and has committed to comply with the company’s privacy policies and applicable law.
“We assure 23andMe customers that we are committed to protecting the 23andMe dataset with our high standards of data privacy, security and ethical oversight and will advance its full potential to improve human health,” said Aris Baras, senior vice president and head of the Regeneron Genetics Center.
23andMe’s interim chief executive officer, Joe Selsavage, added that the company is “pleased to reach an agreement with a science-driven partner that maintains [its] team and helps ensure [its] mission will carry forward”.