Genetic Data on the Move: Regeneron's Big Buy

A major shift is happening in the world of genetic data. Regeneron, a big name in biotechnology, is stepping in to buy 23andMe, a company known for its DNA testing kits. The price tag? A cool $256 million. This move comes as 23andMe faces bankruptcy, but Regeneron has plans to keep the company running smoothly. They want to honor the privacy promises made to 23andMe's 15 million customers. This includes keeping their genetic and health information safe. Regeneron has big dreams for this genetic data. They want to use it to push forward medical advancements. This is something 23andMe tried to do but didn't quite pull off. Aris Baras, a top exec at Regeneron, has spoken out about this. He says Regeneron is all about protecting genetic data and using it for good. They already have their own genetic dataset from nearly 3 million people. So, they know a thing or two about handling this kind of information. The safety of 23andMe's data has been a hot topic. With the company's financial troubles, people have been worried. Even big names like California's Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission have weighed in. They want to make sure any buyer of 23andMe will keep the data safe and follow the rules. So, what does this mean for 23andMe customers? For now, it looks like their data will be in good hands. Regeneron has a strong track record in genetic data protection. But, it's always important to stay informed. Keep an eye on how this plays out. After all, it's your genetic information on the line.