Of 23andMe, Google, and other personal genome services
June 21, 2009 by Grace Ibay
Filed under Health
What does mega-search engine Google and mega-genome services company 23andMe have in common?
Two actually, and maybe more…
First – investments and second, spouses.
This week, Google invested $2.6 million in 23andMe on top of the $7 million invested so far. No surprise there, since Google’s co-founder Sergey Bring is the spouse of 23andMe’s co-founder Anne Wojcicki. But as CNN remarked, it’s one the perks of marrying Google.
In another news, biotech giant Illumina has launched a personal genome sequencing service. That is, you can have your entire genome sequenced – all 3 billion DNA – for a hefty price of $48,000. Unlike 23andMe and other genome-testing services where only genotypes are provided, Illumina will provide your entire DNA sequence.
But you need a prescription and a physician’s OK to get the ball rolling. AND, you still need one of the other personal genomics companies such as 23andMe to interpret the sequence and tell you your risks.
image: Newscom
