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The sale of 23andMe has been finalized, transforming the once-public genetics company into a nonprofit under the leadership of its cofounder, Anne Wojcicki. 

The deal—approved by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Brian C. Walsh—marks the end of a months-long bidding war following 23andMe's bankruptcy filing in March 2025.

TTAM Outbids Regeneron in $305 Million Deal

Biotech firm Regeneron Pharmaceuticals had previously bid $265 million to acquire the company in May. Still, it was outmatched by the TTAM Research Institute, a nonprofit founded by Wojcicki, which secured the deal with a $305 million offer.

“I am incredibly excited and humbled to share with you that TTAM...has completed the acquisition of 23andMe,” Wojcicki announced on X (formerly Twitter). “A nonprofit structure is the best way to solidify our values and commitments to our customers, the scientific community and the world at large.”

Despite the optimism, multiple U.S. states, including California, Utah, Tennessee, and Texas, opposed the sale, citing unresolved privacy concerns.

https://usaherald.com/anne-wojcicki-reclaims-23andme-in-305m-deal-through-ttam-institute/

 23andMe —Privacy Questions Remain

Under TTAM, 23andMe will continue offering DNA testing and research services, but the structure and intent have shifted. While Wojcicki emphasized “enhanced” privacy practices, watchdogs are still wary.

“We are giving additional notice, have put further restrictions on use of data, and have agreed to an independent privacy advisory board,” Wojcicki told The Washington Post.

Still, critics argue these measures are not enough. “There is nothing in 23andMe’s bankruptcy agreement or privacy statement to prevent TTAM from selling or transferring DNA to some other organization in the future,” The Washington Post reported.

Perhaps most alarming, genetic data collected by 23andMe is not protected by HIPAA, and the company’s 2023 data breach—affecting 7 million users—continues to cast a long shadow over the brand.

States Urge Users to Delete DNA Data

Attorneys general from Maryland, North Carolina, Connecticut, and California have gone so far as to recommend consumers delete their accounts. While users have the option to opt out of future research or delete their information, TTAM is not requiring consent before assuming ownership of previously collected DNA data.

As privacy scholar Neil M. Richards warned, 23andMe’s database remains “one of the most sensitive collections of data about identified people ever sought to be discharged in bankruptcy.”

Related Links:

• • Washington Post – 23andMe’s Data Sale Raises New Privacy Alarms
    AP News – 23andMe Acquired by TTAM
  • USA Herald-Bankruptcy Battles