23andMe, the genetics company that many people have been excited about, recently made a big announcement. The company has decided to stop working on creating new medicines and will be letting go of 40% of its employees. Instead, they will focus on selling genetic tests to consumers and using the data they collect for research purposes.
This decision to shut down the part of the company that was focused on developing drugs and to lay off 200 people marks the end of a bold move that 23andMe made about ten years ago. They believed that they could use the genetic information they had gathered not just to help other drug companies but to create drugs themselves.
Anne Wojcicki, the CEO, co-founder, and chair of the board of 23andMe, explained that these changes are difficult but necessary for the company to succeed in the long term. She thanked the team for their hard work and dedication and assured that they are committed to supporting the employees affected by these changes.
This shift in focus for 23andMe is a significant change in direction for the company. They will now be concentrating on their core business of providing genetic tests to consumers and using the data for research collaborations.
Matthew Herper, a writer who specializes in covering medical innovation, highlights the importance of this decision for 23andMe. It shows the challenges and risks involved in the field of medical research and development, even for a company that has been as successful and well-known as 23andMe.
Overall, this announcement from 23andMe marks a new chapter for the company as they refocus their efforts on their core business and research partnerships. It will be interesting to see how this change impacts the future of the company and the field of genetics as a whole.
