TL;DR
- Anne Wojcicki’s nonprofit TTAM Research Institute won the bid to acquire genetic testing company 23andMe for $305 million.
- This comes after 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2025 amid strategic struggles and leadership changes.
- TTAM will comply with 23andMe’s privacy policies and commit to respecting customer data rights.
- The acquisition includes 23andMe’s personal genome service, research arm, and telehealth program Lemonaid Health.
- The deal awaits approval by the US Bankruptcy Court on June 17, 2025.
Anne Wojcicki’s TTAM Research Institute Acquires 23andMe
The genetic testing company 23andMe, once valued at $6 billion, is set to enter a new chapter following its bankruptcy filing and a competitive auction for its assets. The winning bid came from TTAM Research Institute, a nonprofit led by Anne Wojcicki, who co-founded 23andMe and served as its CEO until March 24, 2025.
TTAM Research Institute offered $305 million, outbidding Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, which had earlier agreed to purchase 23andMe’s assets for $256 million. Regeneron confirmed that it did not raise its offer, citing the company’s remaining value after assessing assets.
The sale includes almost all of 23andMe’s assets, notably its popular personal genome service, genetic research initiatives, and the Lemonaid Health telehealth program acquired in 2021.
23andMe’s Financial Struggles and Leadership Turmoil
23andMe’s rapid rise in the early 2020s, fueled by at-home DNA testing kits, hit a major setback by late 2024. The company’s seven independent directors resigned citing disagreements with Wojcicki’s “strategic direction” and plans to take the company private. These internal conflicts coincided with a drastic restructuring in November 2024, where 40% of the workforce was cut—about 200 employees.
Despite collecting genetic data from over 15 million customers, the company struggled to monetize beyond initial test sales. Many users purchased one-time kits but did not subscribe to ongoing services, impacting recurring revenue streams. These challenges led to the Chapter 11 filing in March 2025.
Privacy Concerns Spark Legal Challenges
The bankruptcy and potential sale of 23andMe raised alarms regarding customer genetic data privacy. Many users worried that their sensitive information could be sold or misused by new owners or third parties.
In response, 27 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit aiming to block the sale of genetic data without explicit customer consent. Their concerns focus on the potential for genetic data to be exploited in product marketing or other commercial uses without adequate safeguards.
TTAM Research Institute has pledged to honor existing privacy policies, including customer rights to delete accounts or opt out of research participation.
The Importance of Genetic Data and Regulatory Landscape
Genetic data collected by 23andMe includes information that can hint at ancestry, health risks, and even consumer preferences. This data has potential applications in personalized medicine, targeted advertising, and product development.
However, regulatory protections for genetic information remain limited. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) prevents discrimination based on genetics for health insurance and employment but does not cover all commercial uses or privacy concerns related to consumer data.
Experts, like Gideon Nave from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, emphasize the growing importance of clear consent and transparency in how genetic data is handled.
TTAM’s Vision for 23andMe’s Future
Anne Wojcicki expressed optimism about the acquisition, stating, “I am thrilled that TTAM Research Institute will be able to continue the mission of 23andMe to help people access, understand and benefit from the human genome.”
TTAM aims to empower individuals with choice and transparency about their genetic data, allowing users to explore ancestry and health insights responsibly.
The nonprofit structure signals a potential shift from purely profit-driven operations to a model focused on research, education, and ethical stewardship of genetic information.
Next Steps: Court Approval and Transition
The acquisition deal is subject to approval by the US Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. A hearing is scheduled for June 17, 2025. Once approved, TTAM Research Institute will formally take ownership, and the transition will begin.
Industry observers will watch closely to see how the nonprofit manages the legacy business and genetic data assets while rebuilding consumer trust.
