23andMe Gets Into the Breast Cancer Testing Business
Posted by Osagie K. Obasogie February 23, 2009
Biopolitical Times
Recreational genetics leader and Google-backed 23andMe has added a new service. The company is now advertising that it is able to tell its customers whether they have BRCA cancer mutations that may significantly increase their chances for developing breast and ovarian cancer.
This development is remarkable for at least two reasons. First, Myriad Genetics holds the patent to BRCA gene tests and has vigorously defended its intellectual property - often to the detriment of individual patients. It is not immediately clear how 23andMe's BRCA screening service - which is being handled by Lab Corp - steers clear of violating this patent.
Secondly, 23andMe got into hot water last year with the California Department of Public Health for offering "clinical tests" directly to consumers without a doctor's oversight. While 23andMe ultimately received a license to continue to offer these services, its move into the BRCA testing business seems to belie its previous argument that it offers personal genetics information, not medical diagnoses. It will be interesting to see if these new services bring renewed attention from the State of California.
This development is remarkable for at least two reasons. First, Myriad Genetics holds the patent to BRCA gene tests and has vigorously defended its intellectual property - often to the detriment of individual patients. It is not immediately clear how 23andMe's BRCA screening service - which is being handled by Lab Corp - steers clear of violating this patent.
Secondly, 23andMe got into hot water last year with the California Department of Public Health for offering "clinical tests" directly to consumers without a doctor's oversight. While 23andMe ultimately received a license to continue to offer these services, its move into the BRCA testing business seems to belie its previous argument that it offers personal genetics information, not medical diagnoses. It will be interesting to see if these new services bring renewed attention from the State of California.