Regeneron Pharmaceuticals is buying personal genomics company 23andMe for $256 million following a bankruptcy auction. This move gives Regeneron access to one of the largest private genetic databases in the world—raising big questions about privacy, purpose, and profit.
Key Facts:
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals won the bankruptcy auction for 23andMe with a $256 million bid.
- 23andMe houses genetic data from over 15 million people in its Biobank.
- Over 80% of users had consented to research use of their data as of 2024.
- Many users attempted to delete their data after 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 in March.
- 23andMe previously suffered a massive data breach, exposing data from over 7 million users.
The Rest of The Story:
Regeneron’s acquisition of 23andMe is expected to close by September.
Along with the brand, Regeneron will gain access to one of the most extensive private repositories of human genetic data—information from millions of users who submitted DNA for ancestry or health analysis.
The purchase comes on the heels of 23andMe’s bankruptcy and a major privacy crisis.
In March, a data breach exposed the genetic details of more than 7 million people, with a class action lawsuit alleging the stolen data ended up for sale on the dark web.
While 23andMe claimed its privacy policies would remain intact post-sale, users reported problems deleting their information even with guidance from state agencies.
Despite concerns, the company assured the bankruptcy court that consumer data protections would remain in force during the transition to Regeneron.
23andMe just sold your DNA sample to Regeneron Pharmaceuticals for about $17.
Bankrupt genetic-testing firm 23andMe agreed to sell its data bank, which once contained DNA samples from about 15 million people, to the drug developer Regeneron Pharmaceuticals for $256 million. pic.twitter.com/e8tgRnfZxz
— Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) May 19, 2025
Commentary:
This acquisition isn’t just about brand value. It’s about data—deeply personal, highly sensitive data.
Regeneron is not spending $256 million out of generosity. It’s acquiring a powerful tool that could drive drug development, insurance pricing, or much more.
Consumers should ask: what will Regeneron do with this data?
There’s no such thing as harmless data at this scale. Genetic information, once shared, can’t be taken back.
The risk of re-identification and misuse only grows with time and access.
The breach involving Ashkenazi Jewish and Chinese user data proved that the system isn’t airtight.
Even if Regeneron promises to honor 23andMe’s policies, those policies have already failed in the past.
Promises mean little when the financial incentive to monetize the data is massive.
Moreover, the company’s privacy claims ring hollow when users trying to delete their data ran into technical obstacles.
If a customer can’t effectively opt out, how meaningful is their consent?
This data goldmine may enable faster drug discoveries. But at what cost?
If Regeneron starts building treatments tailored to genetic profiles, will those without their data in the system be left behind?
Will insurers or employers find ways to tap into this pool indirectly?
There must be clarity.
What are Regeneron’s exact plans? Who gets access? What rules will govern it?
Lawmakers and watchdogs must demand transparency before the deal closes.
The public deserves a full explanation—and legally binding safeguards.
Because once your genetic code is in someone else’s hands, it stays there forever.
The Bottom Line:
Regeneron’s purchase of 23andMe gives it control over millions of people’s DNA data, raising concerns about privacy, consent, and future use.
The company has a clear business reason for making this move, and consumers deserve to know what that is.
Given 23andMe’s history of data breaches, the public must demand strict oversight of how this information is used moving forward.
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