Regeneron to Acquire Key 23andMe Assets for $256M, Pledges Continuity of Consumer Genome Services

What You Should Know: 

– Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced it has been named the successful bidder in the bankruptcy auction for substantially all of the assets of 23andMe Holding Co. 

– Regeneron plans to acquire 23andMe’s Personal Genome Service® (PGS), Total Health and Research Services business lines, along with its extensive Biobank and associated assets, for $256 million.

– Under the terms of the proposed acquisition, Regeneron intends for 23andMe to continue all its consumer genome services uninterrupted. The transaction is subject to bankruptcy court and regulatory approvals, as well as other customary closing conditions, and is anticipated to close in the third quarter of 2025.

Strategic Move to Bolster Large-Scale Genetics Research

Regeneron, a company with a long history of leveraging DNA insights for drug discovery, views this acquisition as a significant step in furthering its research capabilities. Regeneron, a company with a long history of leveraging DNA insights for drug discovery, views this acquisition as a significant step in furthering its research capabilities.

“Regeneron was one of the first biotech companies to bet its future on the power of DNA, fueling our drug discovery efforts so as to deliver some of the world’s leading and most innovative medicines,” said George D. Yancopoulos, M.D. Ph.D., co-Founder, Board co-Chair, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Regeneron. “We have deep experience with large-scale data management, having worked with collaborators around the world to link deidentified DNA sequences from nearly three million consented participants to electronic health records, safely and securely enabling future medical advances. We believe we can help 23andMe deliver and build upon its mission to help those interested in learning about their own DNA and how to improve their personal health, while furthering Regeneron’s efforts to use large-scale genetics research to improve the way society treats and prevents illness overall.”

Upholding Data Privacy and Ethical Standards

A key component of the acquisition involves a strong commitment to consumer data privacy. Regeneron has stated its intention to ensure full compliance with 23andMe’s existing consumer privacy policies and all applicable laws regarding the treatment of customer data. As the successful bidder, Regeneron is prepared to provide detailed plans for the intended use of customer data, along with information on its privacy programs and security controls. These will be available for review by a court-appointed, independent Customer Privacy Ombudsman and other interested parties.

“23andMe is a pioneer in consumer genetics and research, and we are excited for the opportunity to support their important mission and grow their platform and business,” said Aris Baras, MD, Senior Vice President and Head of the Regeneron Genetics Center®. “As a world leader in human genetics, Regeneron Genetics Center is committed to and has a proven track record of safeguarding the genetic data of people across the globe, and, with their consent, using this data to pursue discoveries that benefit science and society. We assure 23andMe customers that we are committed to protecting the 23andMe dataset with our high standards of data privacy, security and ethical oversight and will advance its full potential to improve human health.”

Future Operations and Excluded Assets

Upon completion of the transaction, 23andMe will be operated as a wholly owned direct or indirect subsidiary of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and will continue its operations as a personal genomics service. It’s important to note that Regeneron’s purchase does not include 23andMe’s Lemonaid Health business. Regeneron plans to share additional details about its operating plans for 23andMe at the time of closing.