Biotechnology company Regeron is reportedly acquiring DNA-testing company 23andMe for $256 million. While 23andMe was once highly successful with its popular at-home DNA testing kits that gave customers insight into their family histories and genetic profiles, it has been plagued with privacy concerns since hackers accessed the information of nearly 7 million customers in 2023. The company ended up having to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March.
In its announcement of the acquisition, Regeron claimed it would ensure that customers’ personal data including genetic and health information, genealogy, and other sensitive personal information—would be safe and in good hands. Regeneron aims to use the large trove of genetic data to further its own work using genetics to develop medical advances—something which 23andMe attempted, but failed at doing.
READ: DNA tester 23andMe files for bankruptcy, concerns arise about user data (March 24, 2025)
“As a world leader in human genetics, Regeneron Genetics Center 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,” Aris Baras, senior vice president and head of the Regeneron Genetics Center, said in a statement. “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.” Baras also added that Regeneron’s Genetic Center already has its own genetic dataset from nearly 3 million people.
“We believe we can help 23andMe deliver and build upon its mission to help people learn about their own DNA and how to improve their personal health, while furthering Regeneron’s efforts to improve the health and wellness of many,” Dr. George Yancopoulos, Regeneron’s president, said in a statement.
This acquisition would not include 23andMe’s telehealth subsidiary Lemonaid Health, which the company bought for around $400 million in 2021. Lemonaid Health will be shut down, but Regeneron has offered to employ all staffers of the acquired business units, according to the release.
This deal is currently pending approval from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, and expected to close by the third quarter of the year.