The market for genetic DNA is changing and it is important to have large amounts of data to be able to deliver the most precise genetic results possible. After operating separately since 2000 and 2007 respectively, two major suppliers of genetic DNA testing are now joining forces.
Australias ledende genomiske selskap myDNA annonserte nylig at de nå slår seg sammen med FamilyTreeDNA som har sin hovedbase i Houston Texas, USA.
Da FamilyTreeDNA ble lansert i år 2000 var selskapet det første i USA som tilbød DNA-testing direkte til privatpersoner, for genetiske undersøkelser. Siden den gang har markedet vokst enormt.
I fjor kunne imidlertid Slekt1 melde at veksten i markedet for DNA-hjemmetesting hadde roet seg såpass mye at selskapene så seg nødt til å gjøre justeringer for den videre driften.
Read also: Is the market for DNA testing starting to become saturated?
Australske myDNA ble stiftet i 2007, med formålet å gjøre fremtidsdrømmen om personlig tilpasset medisin en realitet. Selskapet har siden den gang utviklet seg videre i en retning av å nutrigenomiks for å levere, personlige ernærings-, fitness- og hudpleieanbefalinger.
Selskapene slår seg nå altså sammen og har med det et ønske om å være verdensledende innenfor DNA-tjenester til privatperson knyttet til slektsforskning, genetisk tilpasset farmasi og næringsstoffer.
Det er usikkert hvor mye DNA fra nordmenn som befinner seg i databasene til FamilyTreeDNA og myDNA. I Norge har de fleste valgt MyHeritage når de har sendt inn en DNA-prøve.
Pressemeldingen fra FamilyTreeDNA:
MELBOURNE, Australia, Jan. 7, 2021 — Dr. Lior Rauchberger, CEO of leading Australian genomics company, myDNA, announced a merger with the U.S., Houston-based consumer DNA test company, FamilyTreeDNA, and its parent company, Gene by Gene. Dr. Rauchberger will step into the role of CEO of the merged companies, effective immediately. Gene by Gene co-founders Bennett Greenspan and Max Blankfeld will join the Board of Directors.
FamilyTreeDNA, launched in 2000, has the distinction of being the first company in the U.S to offer direct-to-consumer DNA testing for genealogical research. myDNA, founded in 2007 by Associate Professor, Les Sheffield, started with a mission to improve countless lives by revolutionizing the field of pharmacogenomics, making truly personalized medicine a reality, before expanding into nutrigenomics to deliver actionable, personalized nutrition, fitness and skincare recommendations.
The innovative merger of myDNA and Gene by Gene is built on several shared beliefs about the tremendous potential of genetic information to dramatically improve our understanding, not only of who we are and where we come from, but by providing a scientific foundation for actionable, personalized insights, and how they can guide us in how best to care for ourselves and maintain optimal health and wellness both physically and mentally. The two businesses come together as one of the leading global experts of genealogy, pharmacogenomic and nutrigenomic services.
At myDNA, consumer privacy is paramount. myDNA believes the importance of the consumer’s ability to trust in the privacy of their genetic information, and retain control over it, cannot be overstated. Along the same line, Gene by Gene and FamilyTreeDNA will continue acting in the field of Genetic Genealogy, their original business, keeping intact their privacy rules and all terms of service.
According to myDNA CEO, Dr. Lior Rauchberger, an M.D. who practiced medicine for nine years before becoming a leading expert in personalized medicine and the intersection of medicine and technology. «It’s thanks to pioneering brands like Gene by Gene and FamilyTreeDNA that consumers see the value in safely and securely exchanging genetic information for personalized services. The Personalized Wellness revolution is only just beginning and we’re eager to be able to offer FamilyTreeDNA and myDNA members a box seat to a wider range of services thanks to the merging of these fantastic businesses.»
About myDNA – www.mydna.life
myDNA is an Australian personalized genomics company that decodes the information in our genes to help us understand the power of our DNA and what to do with that knowledge. myDNA’s tests are simple cheek-swabs that can be ordered online and carried out in the safety of your own home. Their vision is to be the world’s most trusted provider of personalized, actionable, genetic information.
About Gene by Gene – www.genebygene.com | www.familytreedna.com
Founded in 2000, Gene by Gene, Ltd. provides reliable genetic testing services to a wide range of consumers and institutional customers through its four divisions focusing on ancestry, health, research, and paternity. Genetic genealogy testing services are provided by FamilyTreeDNA – a division of Gene by Gene and the pioneers of the direct-to-consumer genetic genealogy industry. Gene by Gene is CAP/CLIA registered and, through its clinical health division, offers health, wellness, and regulated diagnostic testing services. The privately held company, along with its state-of-the-art Genomics Research Center, is headquartered in Houston, TX.
