Latest news with #23andme
Economic Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Regeneron to rescue 23andMe from bankruptcy in $256 million deal — but who really owns your genetic data now and what happens to your DNA privacy?
What does this acquisition mean for your genetic privacy and data ownership? How did 23andMe fall from a $6 billion valuation to bankruptcy? Live Events Who's in charge now and what happened to anne wojcicki? Will 23andme continue offering its DNA testing services? What happens next and when will the deal close? Should you be worried about your DNA privacy? FAQs: (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Regeneron buys 23andMe for $256 million — but at what cost to consumer DNA privacy? In a move that's sparking both excitement and concern, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals has announced it will acquire 23andMe for $256 million following the genetic testing company's bankruptcy filing. The deal includes 23andMe's Personal Genome Service, Total Health and Research Services, and its massive genetic data biobank built from over 15 million the consumer side of the business will stay active, the acquisition is raising big questions: Who owns your DNA now? What will happen to your genetic information? And after a major data breach just last year, can consumers really trust that their most sensitive data is safe?Regeneron, based in Tarrytown, New York, has promised to honor 23andMe's existing privacy policies and legal obligations. The company says it has experience handling anonymized genetic data from about 3 million research participants. Still, many customers are worried about who controls their genetic blueprint now that 23andMe is under new than just a medical record, your DNA contains personal and family information that could affect not just you, but your relatives too. Privacy advocates say these kinds of mergers need more transparency, especially when sensitive biological data is part of the a few years ago, 23andMe was flying high. After going public in 2021 through a $3.5 billion SPAC deal, the company was once valued at $6 billion. But heavy investments into biotech and telehealth, paired with declining consumer interest, dragged it down came the biggest hit: a massive data breach in 2023 that exposed the personal information of nearly 7 million users over five months. The fallout was costly — the company agreed to a $30 million settlement after lawsuits began piling the time 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2025, it had $2.3 billion in debt and just $126 million in cash left. The crisis forced the company to lay off 200 employees, shut down drug development, and prepare for major Wojcicki, the co-founder and longtime CEO of 23andMe, resigned when the company filed for bankruptcy earlier this year. She had been trying to buy the company back privately since April 2024, but her offers were rejected by the board. Her last bid — 41 cents per share — valued the company at just $11 reportedly leaned on her network, including her ex-husband and Google co-founder Sergey Brin, to attract early funding for 23andMe. For now, Joe Selsavage, the company's CFO, will take over as interim CEO. But Wojcicki has posted on X that she may try to make another offer in the future, although no details have been shared despite the acquisition, 23andMe's direct-to-consumer DNA testing kits and health insights will still be available. Regeneron has confirmed that existing services won't be interrupted. The new parent company sees 23andMe's genetic data as a valuable resource for drug discovery and personalized deal gives Regeneron access to one of the largest collections of consumer DNA samples in the world, helping the company push forward in developing new therapies and expanding its health and wellness strategy. According to Regeneron, the move will 'preserve 23andMe's mission' under better financial next step is a bankruptcy court hearing scheduled for June 17, where the sale is expected to be approved. If all goes as planned, the deal should be finalized by Q3 investors are watching closely. Following the announcement, Regeneron's stock fell 0.8% and is currently down 16.6% for the year, according to MarketWatch. The public response has been cautious, especially given the controversies surrounding 23andMe in recent you're already a 23andMe customer or thinking of using a DNA testing service, it's important to read the privacy policies carefully. Even though Regeneron says it will stick to the rules, mergers like this can sometimes lead to changes in how your data is stored, used, or data isn't like other personal data — it's permanent, uniquely identifiable, and often shared across families. And once it's compromised, it can't be changed like a password. That's why consumers, lawmakers, and privacy groups are calling for stronger regulations on how companies handle this sensitive says it will follow 23andMe's existing privacy losses, a data breach, and failed biotech efforts led to it.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Regeneron to rescue 23andMe from bankruptcy in $256 million deal — but who really owns your genetic data now and what happens to your DNA privacy?
What does this acquisition mean for your genetic privacy and data ownership? How did 23andMe fall from a $6 billion valuation to bankruptcy? Live Events Who's in charge now and what happened to anne wojcicki? Will 23andme continue offering its DNA testing services? What happens next and when will the deal close? Should you be worried about your DNA privacy? FAQs: (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Regeneron buys 23andMe for $256 million — but at what cost to consumer DNA privacy? In a move that's sparking both excitement and concern, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals has announced it will acquire 23andMe for $256 million following the genetic testing company's bankruptcy filing. The deal includes 23andMe's Personal Genome Service, Total Health and Research Services, and its massive genetic data biobank built from over 15 million the consumer side of the business will stay active, the acquisition is raising big questions: Who owns your DNA now? What will happen to your genetic information? And after a major data breach just last year, can consumers really trust that their most sensitive data is safe?Regeneron, based in Tarrytown, New York, has promised to honor 23andMe's existing privacy policies and legal obligations. The company says it has experience handling anonymized genetic data from about 3 million research participants. Still, many customers are worried about who controls their genetic blueprint now that 23andMe is under new than just a medical record, your DNA contains personal and family information that could affect not just you, but your relatives too. Privacy advocates say these kinds of mergers need more transparency, especially when sensitive biological data is part of the a few years ago, 23andMe was flying high. After going public in 2021 through a $3.5 billion SPAC deal, the company was once valued at $6 billion. But heavy investments into biotech and telehealth, paired with declining consumer interest, dragged it down came the biggest hit: a massive data breach in 2023 that exposed the personal information of nearly 7 million users over five months. The fallout was costly — the company agreed to a $30 million settlement after lawsuits began piling the time 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2025, it had $2.3 billion in debt and just $126 million in cash left. The crisis forced the company to lay off 200 employees, shut down drug development, and prepare for major Wojcicki, the co-founder and longtime CEO of 23andMe, resigned when the company filed for bankruptcy earlier this year. She had been trying to buy the company back privately since April 2024, but her offers were rejected by the board. Her last bid — 41 cents per share — valued the company at just $11 reportedly leaned on her network, including her ex-husband and Google co-founder Sergey Brin, to attract early funding for 23andMe. For now, Joe Selsavage, the company's CFO, will take over as interim CEO. But Wojcicki has posted on X that she may try to make another offer in the future, although no details have been shared despite the acquisition, 23andMe's direct-to-consumer DNA testing kits and health insights will still be available. Regeneron has confirmed that existing services won't be interrupted. The new parent company sees 23andMe's genetic data as a valuable resource for drug discovery and personalized deal gives Regeneron access to one of the largest collections of consumer DNA samples in the world, helping the company push forward in developing new therapies and expanding its health and wellness strategy. According to Regeneron, the move will 'preserve 23andMe's mission' under better financial next step is a bankruptcy court hearing scheduled for June 17, where the sale is expected to be approved. If all goes as planned, the deal should be finalized by Q3 investors are watching closely. Following the announcement, Regeneron's stock fell 0.8% and is currently down 16.6% for the year, according to MarketWatch. The public response has been cautious, especially given the controversies surrounding 23andMe in recent you're already a 23andMe customer or thinking of using a DNA testing service, it's important to read the privacy policies carefully. Even though Regeneron says it will stick to the rules, mergers like this can sometimes lead to changes in how your data is stored, used, or data isn't like other personal data — it's permanent, uniquely identifiable, and often shared across families. And once it's compromised, it can't be changed like a password. That's why consumers, lawmakers, and privacy groups are calling for stronger regulations on how companies handle this sensitive says it will follow 23andMe's existing privacy losses, a data breach, and failed biotech efforts led to it.
Fast Company
13-05-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
23andMe update: Customers have until July 14 to file data breach claims amid Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Here's how to do it
Some important news for million of 23andMe customers, past and present: the genetic testing company notified customers on Sunday, they now have until July 14 to file potential claims as the company navigates Chapter 11 bankruptcy, according to according to TechCrunch. The DNA testing firm, which filed for bankruptcy in March, along with 11 of its subsidiaries, must pay customers as part of its bankruptcy restructuring process. FastCompany has reached out to 23andMe for comment. 23andme, which provided DNA analysis to offer insights into ancestry, health traits, and genetic risks filed for Chapter 11 after it rejected acquisition offers and its market value plummeted in the wake of a massive data breach in 2023. That breach impacted nearly 7 million users by exposing their names, birth years, relationship labels, percentages of DNA shared with relatives, ancestry reports, and self-reported locations, according to TechCrunch. Multiple class action lawsuits followed, as did mass layoffs, staff in-fighting, while its market value plunged from its 2021 peak at $6 billion. How can I file a 23andMe claim? There are three ways 23andme customers can file a claim. If you were a 23andme customer between May 1 and October 1 2023 can file what is known as a Cyber Security Incident Claim if you were also notified by 23andMe that your personal information was compromised in a data breach that was discovered and disclosed by 23andMe in October 2023. Alternatively, customers who suffered financial or other damages due to that 2023 breach can submit a claim as part of the bankruptcy case. Finally, customers who have grievances about the DNA test results or the company's telehealth services, that don't directly pertain to the breach, can submit a claim using the General Bar Date Package.
Daily Mirror
25-04-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
'I took DNA test for fun and uncovered secret that destroyed relationship'
A woman has shared the shocking discovery she made after taking an at-home DNA test for fun - and how it impacted the family dynamic after the truth came to light A woman got the shock of her life after taking a DNA test for fun only to discover an unusual secret and destroy a relationship. She explained how she came to learn two of her family members have been sperm donors in the past - and one of them fathered more than 40 children this way, However, the other donor only had one child, according to the information provided on the DNA testing kit. In response to the Reddit thread, ' People whose families have been destroyed by 23andme and other DNA sequencing services, what went down' , she said: "One has 40+ children, is unmarried, and likely lost his last serious relationship after she found out. "The other only has one donor kid that we know of, but he's married and has a family. Wife was not happy, but the donation was over 30 years ago. "I think the lady friend was probably upset because he donated a lot even after he didn't need the money anymore. "Like he was trying to make a clan or something. In the other case, I don't really know why she was upset but I think she's mellowed out over it now." Confused how this could end a relationship, one user asked: "Why would sperm donation make their significant others mad?" While another added: "Some people just don't like the thought of their significant other having biological offspring with other people no matter how it happened." A third user said: "Maybe it was more about the non disclosure of the donations? Like they need a hey I have donated enough sperm to potentially have 3+ dozen kids out there. But other then that I've got nothing." Sharing their own story, one more said: "I dated a girl that stormed out on a date because I saw an Ex of mine in the parking lot. "We were seated, eating (I think at a Chili's?), I looked out the window, saw an Ex and said, 'Huh, I dated that girl about a year ago'. She got angry at me and left after accusing me of wanting to be with her instead." Sarcastically, they added: "Yes, you got me. I chose to punish my intestines with Chili's on the off-chance I see a girl I went out with a few times and had zero chemistry with." In response, a user shared their thoughts: "As over the top her reaction was, I feel like there's nothing to gain and a lot to lose by saying something like that. At best it's an 'Oh OK' response from her, and at worst, well, she storms out and gets mad etc."
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Barnes & Noble opening 60 new book stores in Florida, US in 2025. Here's what to know
As people spend more and more time on their phones and communicate with emojis and abbreviations, it was welcome news to learn bookseller Barnes & Noble is increasing the number of its stores across the United States and Florida. The company's actions and future plans run counter to businesses closing and declaring bankruptcy, including, most recently, Big Lots and 23andme. Here's what we know about Barnes & Noble's plans. Bookseller Barnes & Noble plans to open more than 60 new locations across the U.S. in 2025. "Barnes & Noble is enjoying a period of tremendous growth as the strategy to hand control of each bookstore to its local booksellers has proven so successful," the company announced. "The bookseller is experiencing strong sales in its existing stores and has been opening many new stores after more than 15 years of declining store numbers." To put it into perspective, the 60 stores in 2025 is more than the number of stores that opened in the decade between 2009 and 2019. Barnes & Noble has opened two new Florida stores in 2025: Naples: 4149 Tamiami Trail N, opened on Jan. 29 'We are thrilled to welcome our customers back into their brand-new Naples Barnes & Noble,' said James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble. 'We are very happy to have found this sizable space (a former Big Lots), just a mile from our previous Naples location. As we open bookstores in new areas across the country, we also aim to remain in those we have long served, and this beautiful — and quite large — new Barnes & Noble is a testament to that.' Tequesta: 151 N U.S. Highway 1, opened March 26 'Tequesta may be a small community, but they have shown outsized enthusiasm since we announced this new Barnes & Noble,' Daunt said in the news release announcing the store's opening. ➤ New Naples Barnes and Noble opens with a special appearance from author Janet Evanovich ➤ How Tequesta is growing: Barnes & Noble opens with Black Friday-style rush into bookstore New stores that have opened in 2025 include: Brentwood, California Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania Bellevue, Washington North Canton, Ohio Gainesville, Virginia Grand Rapids, Michigan Houston, Texas Huntington Station, New York Issaquah, Washington Papillon, Nebraska Superior, Colorado That information has not yet been released, and Barnes & Noble did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment on April 15. Barnes & Noble said on its website there are about 600 stores across the U.S. Data company ScrapeHero said there are 659 Barnes & Noble stores in the U.S. as of March 10. States with the most bookstores are: California: 72 Texas: 52 Florida: 45 New York: 44 Virginia: 29 This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Barnes & Noble opening 60 new locations in Florida, US in 2025
