Regeneron buys 23andMe for $256m after bankruptcy
Briefly

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals has acquired genetic testing company 23andMe for $256 million amid rising concerns about privacy affecting its 15 million customers. The deal, aimed at enhancing Regeneron’s capabilities in genomics-driven drug discovery using consumer DNA, has drawn scrutiny due to a prior data breach affecting 23andMe users. Lawmakers are worried about the potential misuse of sensitive genetic data. Regeneron has pledged to adhere to existing privacy policies and work transparently with oversight while addressing these privacy concerns.
Regeneron stated it aims to enhance its genomics-driven drug discovery capabilities using 23andMe's customer DNA profiles, while emphasizing the ethical use of such data.
The transaction has heightened concerns about data privacy, especially following 23andMe's data breach that compromised the sensitive genetic information of millions.
Lawmakers have expressed alarm over the potential for 23andMe's genetic data to be sold to unethical entities, prompting further investigations into the legality and ethics of the deal.
Regeneron pledged to uphold 23andMe's privacy policies and comply with all data protection laws, with an independent overseer assessing the privacy implications.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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