23andMe Sold to Nonprofit Led by Co-Founder Anne Wojcicki for $305 Million

Anne Wojcicki's nonprofit, TTAM Research Institute, has acquired genetic testing company 23andMe for $305 million after the company filed for bankruptcy in March. The bid beat out Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, which had offered $256 million. Wojcicki stepped down from 23andMe in March, citing frustration with her "strategic direction." The acquisition has sparked concerns about data privacy, with 27 states and the District of Columbia filing a lawsuit to block the sale of genetic data without customer consent.

In a significant development in the genetic testing industry, TTAM Research Institute, a nonprofit public benefit corporation led by Anne Wojcicki, has acquired 23andMe for $305 million. This acquisition follows the company's filing for bankruptcy in March, with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals having previously offered $256 million. The sale has sparked concerns about data privacy, with 27 states and the District of Columbia filing a lawsuit to block the sale of genetic data without customer consent [1].

TTAM's acquisition of 23andMe, which pioneered personal genomics with its DNA test kits, comes after a competitive bidding process. TTAM's commitment to comply with 23andMe’s privacy policies and applicable laws, along with additional consumer protections, has been highlighted in the agreement. This includes honoring existing policies that allow individuals to delete their account and genetic data, and opt-out of research in perpetuity [2].

The acquisition has been met with both support and skepticism. While some praise the move as aligning with 23andMe’s mission to empower individuals with their genetic data, others express concern about the potential misuse of the vast genetic data trove. The new ownership will need to address these concerns and ensure transparency in data handling practices.

The proposed transaction is subject to approval by the Bankruptcy Court and is expected to close in the coming weeks. The lawsuit filed by 27 states and the District of Columbia argues that 23andMe cannot auction 15 million customers’ highly sensitive personal genetic information without their consent or knowledge [1].

References:
[1] https://www.wired.com/story/congress-demands-answers-on-data-privacy-ahead-of-23andme-sale/
[2] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/06/13/3099302/0/en/23andMe-Reaches-Agreement-for-Sale-of-Business-to-TTAM-Research-Institute-Following-Final-Round-of-Bidding-in-Court-Approved-Sale-Process.html