Regeneron to Buy Bankrupt DNA Testing Firm
The court supervised purchase, which is still subject to relevant conditions, will see Regeneron acquire the assets of 23andMe, except for its Lemonaid Health business.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals has been named as the successful bidder for the assets of the bankrupt human genetics and biotechnology company, 23andMe Holding Co. According to a May 19, 2025 press release, Regeneron will acquire the assets of 23andMe, including the Personal Genome Service (PGS), Total Health and Research Services business lines, and Biobank, for USD 256 million (1).
“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, in the company press release (1).
“We are pleased to reach an agreement with a science-driven partner that maintains our team and helps ensure our mission will carry forward,” added Joe Selsavage, Interim Chief Executive Officer of 23andMe, in the press release (1). “With the support of Regeneron and their deep experience in genetic sequencing, testing and discovery, we look forward to continuing to help people access and understand the human genome for the benefit of customers and patients.”
In addition to acquiring the assets, Regeneron is intending for 23andMe to continue all consumer genome services uninterrupted. The company has also specified that it will comply with 23andMe’s consumer privacy policies and applicable laws in relation to customer data, and that details for the intended use of the data will be provided for review to a court-appointed, independent Customer Privacy Ombudsman and other interested parties.
“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,” explained Baras, in the press release (1). “Since 2013, the Regeneron Genetics Center has sequenced the genetic information of nearly three million people in research studies, using this deidentified data to make meaningful discoveries at speed and scale. We share 23andMe’s founding vision of the power of genetics and data and the health benefits to individuals and society in understanding the human genome. We believe we are uniquely suited to be responsible and effective stewards of 23andMe’s future, and we look forward to welcoming their talented team.”
Under the terms of the acquisition, 23andMe will continue to be operated as a wholly owned direct or indirect subsidiary of Regeneron. The acquisition does not include the Lemonaid Health business of 23andMe.
“[Regeneron has] 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,” said George D. Yancopoulos, M.D. Ph.D., co-Founder, Board co-Chair, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Regeneron, in the press release (1). “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.”
23andMe voluntarily started Chapter 11 proceedings in March 2025 to ensure they could achieve the maximum value for the business (2). The court-supervised auction process completed on May 16, 2025 and is still subject to approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Cour for the Easter District of Missouri, approval under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, and customary closing conditions (3).
References
Regeneron. Regeneron Enters into Asset Purchase Agreement to Acquire 23andMe for $256 Million; Plans to Maintain Consumer Genetics Business and Advance Shared Goals of Improving Human Health and Wellness. Press Release, May 19, 2025.
23andMe. 23andMe Initiates Voluntary Chapter 11 Process to Maximize Stakeholder Valur Through Court-Supervised Sale Process. Press Release, March 23, 2025.
23andMe. Regeneron, A Leading U.S. Biotechnology Company, to Acquire 23andMe in Court-Supervised Sale. Press Release, May 19, 2025.