Regeneron to purchase 23andMe, commits to safeguarding customer data

The biotechnology company Regeneron Pharmaceuticals is set to acquire the genetic testing company 23andMe for $256 (£192) million.

23andMe filed for bankruptcy in March 2025 (see BioNews 1283) sparking customer concerns over the sensitive genetic information it holds (see BioNews 1284 and 1285). Regeneron has announced it had been named the successful bidder to acquire nearly all assets of 23andMe and confirmed that the company will continue to offer consumer DNA testing services. In a statement, Regeneron said it will comply with 23andMe's privacy policies and applicable laws with respect to the use of customer data.

'Regeneron Genetics Centre is committed to and has a proven track record of safeguarding the genetic data of people across the globe, and, with their consent, using this data to pursue discoveries that benefit science and society,' said Dr Aris Baras, senior vice president and head of the Regeneron Genetics Centre. '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.'

The sale is currently pending approval by a bankruptcy court and by regulators. It is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025 after which 23andMe will operate as a wholly owned unit of Regeneron. Former 23andMe CEO and cofounder Anne Wojcicki announced when she resigned in March that she would be submitting a bid for the company. However, her non-profit research institute's bid was the second-highest overall.

In its statement, Regeneron announced that it plans to use the 23andMe dataset as part of its genetic research into new drugs to treat serious diseases.

'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,' said Dr George Yancopoulos, Regeneron co-founder, president and chief scientific officer.

23andMe previously stated that about 84 percent of its customers opted to allow research using their genetic information. Consequently, the deal would give Regeneron control over the genetic information of millions of 23andMe customers, less than two years after a data breach heightened security and privacy concerns (see BioNews 1211).

'We are pleased to have reached a transaction that maximises the value of the business and enables the mission of 23andMe to live on, while maintaining critical protections around customer privacy, choice and consent with respect to their genetic data,' Mark Jensen, chair and member of the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of 23andMe said in a statement. He added that Regeneron had offered jobs to all of the employees in the business units that it acquires.

To ensure the rights of consumers are protected, a consumer privacy ombudsman was appointed by the court as part of the bankruptcy proceedings. The bankruptcy court is scheduled to consider the transaction for approval in June 2025.