23andMe Sells Genetic Testing Business to DNA Pharma Company Regeneron

Hi everyone! Today I’m excited to share with you the surprising news that 23andMe’s genetic testing business has been sold to DNA drugmaker Regeneron.— I'm glad to share this with you. This deal is set to bring major changes to the personal genomics market. By selling its genetic testing business to Regeneron, 23andMe has opened up a new path forward. And with this, Regeneron will be able to leverage personal genomic data to develop innovative DNA-based therapies. This deal is shaping up to be a great example of how personal genomics technology can be applied to drug development.

23andMe’s Bankruptcy Triggered by the Sale of Genetic Data

Genetic Testing Service Company 23andMe Files for Bankruptcy

23andMeis a company that provides personal genetic testing services and held genetic data collected from roughly 15 million customers. But it failed to generate sustainable profits and ended up filing for bankruptcy.

Concerns Over Customer Data Protection

After news of 23andMe’s bankruptcy, many customers and government officials called for stronger protections for customers’ genetic information.In response, 23andMe decided to sell its data bank to pharmaceutical company Regeneron Pharmaceuticals for $256 million.has decided.

Regeneron’s Data Management Plan

Regeneron’s Track Record on Data Management

Regeneron said it has extensive experience managing data at scale,and pledged to uphold customer privacy policies.Regeneron co-founder George D. Yancopoulos said, “We have safely managed the genetic data of people around the world and, with customer consent, used it to make discoveries that benefit science and society.”

Protecting 23andMe Customer Information

In the bankruptcy proceedings, the court also appointed a privacy ombudsman to protect customer information.This will help ensure that customers’ genetic information and data are properly managed and safeguarded.

What’s Behind 23andMe’s Bankruptcy

Profitability Issues

23andMe offered medical and ancestry-related genetic testing services, but with only about 550,000 customers, it wasn’t able to generate sustainable revenue.That ultimately led to the bankruptcy filing.

Data Breach Incident

23andMe had been working to resolve a class-action lawsuit stemming from a 2023 data breach, but ended up handling it through the bankruptcy proceedings.

Conclusion

23andMe’s bankruptcy raised concerns about the protection of personal genetic information. On the bright side, Regeneron has acquired 23andMe’s data bank and pledged to protect customer information. The case has highlighted just how important it is to securely manage and use personal genetic data. Going forward, we’re likely to see calls for stricter regulation and oversight in this space.

English Words Pulled from the Translation

How to use “struggling”

to struggle, to have a hard time
Example sentences:
I’m struggling to learn this new language.
She’s been struggling with her math homework all night.
“struggling” describes the experience of having difficulty or facing challenges while trying to accomplish a task or goal. It captures the idea of putting in effort and determination to overcome obstacles.

Examples of using “been”

have/has been (something) for a while
Example sentences:
I have been studying English for 5 years.
She has been working at the company for 10 years.
“been” in English indicates an action or state that has continued over a period of time up until the present moment. It conveys the idea of an ongoing or sustained experience.

record

record
Example sentences:
She broke the world record in the 100-meter dash.
Let’s try to set a new record for the most books read this month.
“record” in English refers to an official or documented account of an achievement, performance, or statistic. It represents a measurable result or accomplishment that is documented and recognized.

'Over' in idioms

over, beyond
Example sentences:
The project is over budget by $5,000.
She worked overtime for over 10 hours yesterday.
In idiomatic expressions, “over” in English indicates an amount or duration that exceeds a certain limit or threshold. It conveys the idea of going beyond a specified quantity or time frame.

Let’s memorize “across”!

across, over
Example sentences:
She walked across the street to get to the other side.
The bridge spans across the river.
“across” in English describes the action of moving or extending from one side to the other. It conveys the idea of traversing or crossing over a space or barrier.

Learning a language is a process that takes ongoing effort and passion. Don’t give up–keep practicing. Best of luck to all of you working on your English! You’ve got this!