The Future Of 23andMe

23andMe is one of the most fascinating companies to emerge in recent memory. The company has democratized genetic testing, and it has become a huge success. However, in the words of its founder and CEO Anne Wojcicki, 23andMe is not yet providing a “complete product.” The reason for this is that they have yet to offer a test that lets individuals know how they will react to specific medications, notably those used for depression. While it lets you know if your genetic profile puts you at risk for breast cancer, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and other diseases, it still has a long way to go. To get a DNA test that will tell you how your personal genetics and antidepressants will interact will cost you around $750, and only three cities offer such services. Color Genomics, a genetics testing startup, has started to offer these tests for $250. If 23andMe can bring that cost down, it would revolutionize the industry once again. 

ofThat is the goal for the company, but there is a lot of debate in the scientific community on the effectiveness of such tests. Many experts feel as though the tests don’t actually provide much benefit to their users and are not worth the money. One reason for this is because they cannot inform you which medication will actually be the most effective for you, and oftentimes tests will give people results that are contradictory about how well the medication will work. The FDA had actually nixed 23andMe’s tests for depression meds back in 2013 on the grounds that the tests should not be used for actual medical advice, and they told 23andMe to seek federal approval. However, in 2017 they gave them the green light for health screenings once again, opening 23andMe back up to selling their products. One of their recent products is a test for BRCA genes, which test for genes that may indicate a risk of breast cancer.