Anne Wojcicki Secures $305M Purchase of 23andMe Company

Anne Wojcicki Secures $305M Purchase of 23andMe Company

In a significant turn of events, 23andMe, the popular genetic testing company co-founded by Anne Wojcicki, has agreed to sell its assets for $305 million to the TTAM Research Institute. However, this sale has stirred up substantial privacy concerns and regulatory scrutiny, particularly in light of competing bids from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has voiced his objection to the sale, arguing that 23andMe is attempting to sell data without obtaining consumer consent. This sale comes amidst 23andMe's bankruptcy filing, leading to increased attention on the protection of customers' genetic data, especially considering the sensitive nature of the information belonging to over 15 million customers.

The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has been actively examining the risks associated with the sale, emphasising the need to prevent foreign adversaries from gaining access to American genetic data. Congress is prepared to take further action to safeguard this data if necessary, highlighting the gravity of the privacy and national security implications.

Twenty-seven states and the District of Columbia have filed a joint lawsuit aiming to block the sale of genetic data without explicit customer consent. Several states, including California, Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah, have expressed firm opposition to the sale unless customers opt in or give clear approval for the transfer of their data. This heightened concern over customers' inherent rights to their genetic information reflects the uniqueness of DNA as sensitive and immutable data.

During congressional hearings, 23andMe was criticised for not implementing a clear and straightforward opt-in mechanism for the sale or transfer of genetic data. Lawmakers and privacy advocates have called for easier data deletion options and greater consumer control over genetic information, which is considered the company’s most valuable asset.

Despite opposition, a bankruptcy court approved the sale of 23andMe's genetic data on June 27, 2025. This approval is likely to trigger increased regulatory scrutiny from state and federal authorities, including ongoing pressure on the buyer to ensure compliance with privacy protections and to respect the legal rights of customers.

The TTAM Research Institute, the winning bidder, has included a term sheet of voluntary privacy safeguards in its purchase agreement. TTAM has also stated that it will not sell or transfer customers' genetic data in cases of merger, acquisition, or bankruptcy unless the entity is another domestic nonprofit research institution and agrees to adopt TTAM's privacy statements.

In summary, the updated privacy regulations and safeguards revolve around rigorous government and state oversight, legal actions demanding explicit customer consent, calls for opt-in frameworks and easier data deletion, and an emphasis on preventing unauthorized access—especially by foreign entities—in the context of 23andMe’s ongoing sale process. The final safeguards will likely be shaped by upcoming legislation, court rulings, and regulatory enforcement to ensure Americans’ genetic privacy is upheld during and after the ownership transition.

The sale is still subject to approval by a bankruptcy court. TTAM plans to establish a consumer privacy advocacy board within 90 days. Despite being a nonprofit, TTAM has stated it will comply with all applicable state privacy laws as if it were a for-profit entity. Regeneron had initially offered $256 million for 23andMe's assets, while TTAM is purchasing for $305 million. The Wall Street Journal first reported TTAM's winning bid.

Anne Wojcicki, the former CEO of 23andMe, had made several attempts to buy the company, including proposing to take it private for 40 cents per share in August 2024, which was rejected by the board. TTAM Research Institute was selected as the backup bidder before winning the bid. However, the board of 23andMe rejected Wojcicki's subsequent offer to pay 41 cents per share in March 2025. A coalition of 28 states has filed a lawsuit against 23andMe, objecting to the sale of genetic data.

1. The TTAM Research Institute, the winning bidder, has included a term sheet of voluntary privacy safeguards in its purchase agreement, stipulating that it will not sell or transfer customers' genetic data in cases of merger, acquisition, or bankruptcy unless the entity is another domestic nonprofit research institution and agrees to adopt TTAM's privacy statements.
2. Twenty-seven states and the District of Columbia have filed a joint lawsuit aiming to block the sale of genetic data without explicit customer consent, with several states, including California, Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah, expressing firm opposition to the sale unless customers opt in or give clear approval for the transfer of their data.
3. In summary, the updated privacy regulations and safeguards revolve around rigorous government and state oversight, legal actions demanding explicit customer consent, calls for opt-in frameworks and easier data deletion, and an emphasis on preventing unauthorized access—especially by foreign entities—in the context of 23andMe’s ongoing sale process.
4. The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has been actively examining the risks associated with the sale, emphasising the need to prevent foreign adversaries from gaining access to American genetic data.
5. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has voiced his objection to the sale, arguing that 23andMe is attempting to sell data without obtaining consumer consent, a sensitive issue given the personal nature of the information belonging to over 15 million customers.

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