The future of 23andMe is causing more concern, as the analysis of genomic data improves

Customers of 23andMe’s genetic data asset may be more vulnerable than they realize, suggests a New York Times story that says the company’s problems may be short-lived compared to the long-term threats that could face those 15 million people if 23andMe fails. continue as a continuing concern.

Indeed, with each passing day, founder and CEO Anne Wojcicki’s hopes of turning 23andMe around seem less and less attainable. The company, which is worth $6 billion when it goes public in 2021, is now valued at $150 million. It expects to be delisted next month. Media stories are not helpful. (Can you buy a kit?)

The company says it is still committed to “following the laws governing the information we collect,” but if at some point it can’t, that’s troubling, says a Yale biomedical professor who comments to the Times that stolen credit cards can be replaced. ; the genome cannot. Meanwhile, he says, the technology that analyzes genomes is improving. Chances are it will be very revealing, too.