23andMe made genetic testing accessible to everyday consumers when it launched in 2006. For under $200, anyone can spit in a tube, mail it back, and receive detailed reports about their ancestry, genetic health risks, carrier status for certain conditions, and traits. The company’s database has grown to include genetic data from over 14 million customers.
The health reports cover FDA-authorized genetic risk assessments for conditions like Parkinson’s disease, late-onset Alzheimer’s, BRCA-related cancer risk, and type 2 diabetes. 23andMe also offers pharmacogenomic reports that show how a person’s genetics might affect their response to certain medications.
Beyond consumer testing, 23andMe built a significant drug discovery division using its massive genetic database. The company partnered with GlaxoSmithKline and developed its own therapeutic pipeline targeting conditions identified through genetic research. However, financial difficulties led to major restructuring in 2024, and the therapeutics division was put up for sale. The company has faced scrutiny over data privacy, especially after a data breach in 2023. Despite the turbulence, 23andMe remains the most recognized name in consumer genetics and has fundamentally changed how people think about DNA and health.
