Fact Check: TTAM Research Institute Will Acquire 23andMe's Assets for $305 Million
What We Know
The claim states that TTAM Research Institute, a nonprofit organization led by Anne Wojcicki, will acquire substantially all of 23andMe’s assets for $305 million. This acquisition includes 23andMe’s Personal Genome Service, Research Services business lines, and its telehealth subsidiary, Lemonaid Health. According to a news release, this deal was confirmed following a bidding process that concluded with TTAM outbidding Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, which had previously offered $256 million for most of 23andMe’s assets. The acquisition is part of 23andMe's restructuring after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2024.
Wojcicki, who co-founded 23andMe and served as its CEO until March 2024, expressed her enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “I am thrilled that TTAM Research Institute will be able to continue the mission of 23andMe to help people access, understand and benefit from the human genome” (NBC News). The acquisition is still pending approval from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, with a hearing scheduled for June 17, 2025 (GenomeWeb).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust, with multiple reputable news sources confirming the details of the acquisition. CNN reported that TTAM will acquire "substantially all" of 23andMe's assets for $305 million, including its Personal Genome Service and Research Services (CNN). NBC News corroborated this information, emphasizing that the deal includes the telehealth subsidiary Lemonaid Health (NBC News).
The reliability of these sources is high, as both CNN and NBC News are established news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. Furthermore, the information is consistent across various reports, including those from GenomeWeb and GlobeNewswire, which provide additional context about the acquisition process and its implications for customer data privacy.
The claim's accuracy is further supported by official statements from TTAM and 23andMe, which outline the terms of the acquisition and the commitment to uphold customer data rights (GlobeNewswire). This commitment is particularly relevant given the concerns surrounding data privacy that have been raised in light of 23andMe's bankruptcy and previous data breaches.
Conclusion
The claim that TTAM Research Institute will acquire substantially all of 23andMe’s assets for $305 million, including its Personal Genome Service, Research Services, and Lemonaid Health, is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms the details of the acquisition and the context surrounding it.
Sources
- Anne Wojcicki's nonprofit wins bid to acquire genetic testing company ...
- Anne Wojcicki to buy back 23andMe and its data for $305 million - NBC News
- Wojcicki, TTAM Research Institute's $305M Offer Wins Bidding for ...
- 23andMe Reaches Agreement for Sale of Business to TTAM ...
- 23andMe Reaches Agreement for Sale of Business to TTAM - GlobeNewswire
- Anne Wojcicki's nonprofit reaches deal to acquire 23andMe
- Anne Wojcicki to Buy Back 23andMe and Its Genetic Data for $305 Million
- 23andMe assets to be sold to founder's nonprofit for $305 ...