Genetic testing agency closes drug discovery division and pronounces plans to prescribe GLP-1 medicine for weight reduction by way of telehealth platform.
In its current quarterly earnings report, shopper genetic testing firm 23andMe revealed that it’s making a transfer into the profitable GLP-1 house, because it seeks to capitalize on the runaway success of medication like semaglutide, marketed around the globe as Ozempic and Wegovy. The corporate stated it intends to launch a telehealth weight reduction membership program by the top of the month, permitting members to be prescribed GLP-1 drugs.
In a separate filing with the SEC, the corporate additionally revealed it has shut down its drug discovery enterprise, though it’ll proceed growth of the 2 immuno-oncology applications presently in medical growth.
GLP-1 receptor agonists, finest recognized for his or her efficacy in inducing substantial weight reduction and serving to fight diabetes, have additionally been proven to scale back cardiovascular problems and supply neuroprotective results in human research, resulting in hypothesis they might be “longevity medicine.”
The brand new weight reduction membership service might be supplied by way of telehealth supplier Lemonaid Well being, which 23andMe bought in 2021. This system will supply individuals entry to prescription GLP-1 drugs together with medical consultations.
The corporate additionally revealed it’s commencing a “large-scale genetic analysis research” into GLP-1s that may search to determine genetic mechanisms which will have an effect on how the medicine work in several folks. The effectiveness of GLP-1s varies from individual to individual, and a few people expertise hostile unwanted effects, starting from gentle gastrointestinal points to extra severe problems reminiscent of pancreatitis or kidney issues. The research’s purpose is to uncover whether or not genetics play a major position in these various outcomes.
The research will leverage 23andMe’s genetic and phenotypic database, stated to be one of many largest on the planet, and the research goals to recruit 10,000 individuals to analyze the genetic predictors of GLP-1 remedy response. By figuring out predictors, it’s hoped the analysis will allow personalised remedy plans based mostly on a person’s genetic make-up.
Organic age characteristic added
23andMe additionally just lately launched a brand new organic age characteristic as a part of its Complete Well being subscription. Powered by a machine studying mannequin that analyzes 13 blood-based biomarkers, reminiscent of complete ldl cholesterol and hemoglobin A1c, the corporate calculates a numerical illustration of a person’s organic age, reflecting the general put on and tear on the physique.
The characteristic additionally supplies insights into the well being of varied organs and programs within the physique, together with the guts, liver and metabolic capabilities. The corporate claims its mannequin, based mostly on knowledge from over 200,000 people, additionally performs properly throughout completely different demographics, together with numerous ages, sexes and ancestries.
Whereas 23andMe’s organic age calculation doesn’t embrace genetic knowledge, health ranges or underlying well being situations, the corporate claims it nonetheless gives a worthwhile snapshot of a person’s present well being – if somebody’s organic age is increased than their calendar age, they’ll determine the biomarkers accountable and use this info as motivation to undertake more healthy way of life decisions.
