Parmacy Company GlaxoSmithKline Pays 23andMe $300 Million for 4+ Years of Exclusive Access to Over 5 Million Customers' DNA to Develop New Medications
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23andMe, the world’s largest database of customer DNA, accepted $300 million dollars from GlaxoSmithKline, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, in exchange for 4 (potentially 5) years of exclusive access to over 5 million DNA profiles of 23andMe customers. “Both GSK and 23andMe will share in the proceeds from new treatments and medicines arising from the collaboration.” No mention is made of plans to compensate the customers who’s DNA is used, despite the billions in profit to be made or that 23andMe is getting approximately $60 per DNA profile.
- GlaxoSmithKline press release
- 23andMe’s press release and blog
23andMe claims that over 80% of their customers consent to participate in research, and that “customers can choose to opt-in or opt-out at any time.” They also state that “23andMe customers are in control of their data. Participating in 23andMe’s research is always voluntary and requires customers to affirmatively consent to participate. For those who do consent, their information will be de-identified, so no individual will be identifiable to GSK.”
23andMe’s current terms state that, in the event of a merger, acquisition or sale, your personal information would be among the assets transferred (they don’t mention selling your DNA, for profit, to 3rd parties for temporary access). Those who want to cancel their accounts or, more importantly, request to opt out of research, can do so through their customer care service online. However, their terms also state that any research involving your data that has already been performed or published prior to the receipt of your request will not be reversed, undone, or withdrawn, so… Some suspect that 23andMe may have already been selling DNA data to 3rd parties due to their contradictory, confusing, and predatory clauses such as one that states that even if you opt out “your Genetic Information and Self-Reported Information may still be used by us and shared with our third party service providers.”
