23andMe Launches New Genetic Reports on Common Forms of Cancer

Rhea-AI Summary

23andMe introduces new genetic reports for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer based on polygenic risk scores (PRS), aiming to provide customers with insights into their likelihood of developing these cancers. The PRS reports utilize thousands of genetic variants to calculate individual risk, with a focus on early-onset diagnoses and the importance of genetics in healthcare. Limitations include ethnicity-based availability and the exclusion of all genetic variants associated with hereditary cancer syndromes.

Genetic Research Analyst

Understanding the genetic predisposition to diseases such as cancer is a critical step in advancing personalized medicine. The release of new polygenic risk scores (PRS) by 23andMe represents a significant development in the field of genetic testing and has the potential to influence the healthcare industry profoundly. PRS are statistical tools that assess the combined effect of multiple genetic variants on an individual's risk of developing a disease. The inclusion of PRS in 23andMe's product offerings is a testament to the growing applicability of genetic data in disease risk stratification and prevention strategies.

From an industry perspective, the expansion of 23andMe's PRS reports to cover common cancers could potentially drive an increase in consumer demand for genetic testing services. This could lead to a rise in revenue for the company and may also influence the stock performance positively. However, the long-term success of these offerings will depend on their clinical utility, cost-effectiveness and the ability to integrate PRS into standard healthcare practices.

It is important to note that while PRS can provide valuable insights, they are not diagnostic. They offer a probability of disease occurrence rather than a certainty and the current limitation in ethnic diversity of genetic studies may affect the applicability of these scores across all populations. Efforts to expand research into underrepresented populations, as 23andMe is doing with its study on colorectal cancer in the Black community, are crucial for the equitable application of genetic insights in healthcare.

Market Research Analyst

The healthcare industry is increasingly moving towards precision medicine and 23andMe's new PRS reports align with this trend. These reports could potentially alter consumer behavior by encouraging individuals to seek out preventative measures and regular screenings, thereby impacting healthcare service providers and insurance companies.

For investors, the key interest lies in how these new reports can position 23andMe within the competitive landscape of genetic testing. The ability of 23andMe to leverage its large database to develop these PRS reports underscores the company's data advantage, which could be a differentiator in the market. The increased awareness and potential market growth for genetic testing services could have downstream effects on the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, as more people with higher genetic risks may seek treatments and interventions.

However, market adoption will hinge on the perceived accuracy and reliability of these reports, as well as the regulatory environment surrounding genetic testing. Investors should monitor the uptake of these services and any partnerships or collaborations that 23andMe may establish with healthcare providers, which could be indicative of broader market acceptance and integration into standard care protocols.

Economist

23andMe's introduction of PRS reports for cancer risk assessment could have economic implications beyond the company's direct financial performance. By potentially reducing the late-stage diagnosis of cancers through early detection and prevention, these reports may contribute to a reduction in overall healthcare costs. Early detection of cancer is typically associated with better outcomes and less expensive treatments.

The economic impact of such technologies is twofold. On the one hand, there is the potential for significant cost savings in healthcare expenditure. On the other hand, there is the possibility of increased spending on genetic testing and associated preventive measures, which could lead to a shift in healthcare spending patterns. Additionally, the increased focus on genetic testing could spur innovation and investment in related sectors, such as bioinformatics and personalized therapy development.

Despite the potential benefits, the economic impact will be contingent upon the widespread adoption of PRS-based assessments by healthcare providers and insurers, as well as the public's willingness to pay for such services. Furthermore, the ethical and policy implications of genetic testing for disease predisposition will likely play a role in shaping the economic landscape of this technology.

23andMe customers can now gain deeper insight into their likelihood of developing breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer through new reports based on polygenic risk scores (PRS) developed by 23andMe

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 23andMe Holding Co. (Nasdaq: ME), a leading human genetics and biopharmaceutical company, released three new genetic reports for 23andMe+ members on breast, colorectal and prostate cancer. The reports are based on statistical models known as polygenic risk scores (PRS), developed by 23andMe through its proprietary research database. These PRS reports calculate the likelihood of an individual developing one of these cancers, based on thousands of genetic variants associated with the disease.

Recent studies show a rise in younger people being diagnosed with cancer. A BMJ Oncology study revealed that between 1990 and 2019 cancer rates worldwide have risen 79% in people under the age of 50. A 2023 American Cancer Society report found that 20 percent of colorectal cancer diagnoses in 2019 were in patients under age 55, almost twice the rate in 1995. Breast and colorectal cancers were among the top three cancers with the highest numbers of early-onset diagnoses in 2019.

“Using these reports to understand your likelihood to develop common cancers is an important step toward further integrating genetics into healthcare,” said Noura Abul-Husn, Vice President of Genomic Health at 23andMe. “Today, there is increasing evidence and support for the use of PRS in personalized disease prevention, and certain medical specialties — including oncology — have already begun to adopt this to inform clinical decision-making. These new reports will help customers better understand their overall likelihood for developing these diseases, and enable them to work with their healthcare providers to implement prevention plans.”

The new reports released today were developed by 23andMe scientists and clinical experts, using the Company’s massive database of genetic and health information contributed by consented research participants. 23andMe now offers over 40 PRS reports, which utilize machine learning to analyze the complex interplay of thousands of genetic variants linked to specific conditions or diseases.

23andMe’s New Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, and Colorectal Cancer PRS Reports
The new 23andMe PRS reports focus on some of the most common cancers for which genetics are often a factor, noting where some customers may have an increased likelihood of developing these conditions relative to average. This is important because averages can mask large differences – some people have a higher chance of developing cancer and some a slightly lower chance, due to genetics and other factors. Importantly, healthy lifestyle habits can offset an increased genetic likelihood for developing these diseases, while routine screening can help with early detection.

• On average 1 in 8 females will develop breast cancer in their lifetime
• On average 1 in 8 males will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime
• On average 1 in 25 people will develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime
  

Depending on the type of cancer PRS report and individuals’ ethnicity, up to 5-to-30 percent of current 23andMe+ Premium and 23andMe+ Total Health members will see an increased likelihood result.

“The hope is that this information will help more people, alerting them to a chance of developing the disease that they might not have known otherwise,” said Abul-Husn.

There are limitations with these reports. Availability of the breast cancer and prostate cancer PRS reports is based on self-reported birth sex. These new reports do not diagnose the conditions, do not describe a person’s overall likelihood for developing the conditions, and they do not include all genetic variants, including those linked to hereditary cancer syndromes, that may be associated with risks for these conditions. Further, the new colorectal cancer report is only available for those of European and Latino/Hispanic descent, as there is not yet enough data to provide a result for those of other ethnicities - a historical issue with genetic research and polygenic scores at large. In fact, research shows more than 80 percent of genetic studies are conducted in people of European descent*.

To help address this issue, 23andMe has launched the Genetic insights into colorectal cancer in the Black community study, welcoming individuals with African ancestry and / or identifying as Black or African American to participate. Through this study, we hope to gather enough data to improve the polygenic score and our ability to inform Black and African Americans about how their genetics impact their chance of developing colorectal cancer. Individuals who participate in this research study will have the option to access health reports through a 23andMe+ Premium membership at no-cost. To learn more about this study please visit our landing page. The Company also has additional efforts underway to improve data, research, and model performance in other populations.

The PRS models on which the new 23andMe reports are based were developed using the 23andMe database, and further validated using an external database. Full details on the models can be found in this white paper.

To learn more about the new 23andMe PRS reports on cancer, and becoming a 23andMe+ Premium member, visit https://www.23andme.com/membership/.

*Popejoy et al. Nature 2016; Martin et al. Nat Genet 2019; Mills et al. Commun Biol 2019

About 23andMe
23andMe is a genetics-led consumer healthcare and therapeutics company empowering a healthier future. For more information, please visit investors.23andme.com.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included or incorporated in this press release are forward-looking statements. The words "believes," "anticipates," "estimates," "plans," "expects," "intends," "may," "could," "should," "potential," "likely," "projects," “predicts,” "continue," "will," “schedule,” and "would" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements are predictions based on 23andMe’s current expectations and projections about future events and various assumptions. 23andMe cannot guarantee that it will actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in its forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on 23andMe’s forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (many of which are beyond the control of 23andMe), or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are also subject generally to other risks and uncertainties that are described from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and as revised and updated by our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The statements made herein are made as of the date of this press release and, except as may be required by law, 23andMe undertakes no obligation to update them, whether as a result of new information, developments, or otherwise.

Contact Information
press@23andme.com
investors@23andme.com

 

What new genetic reports has 23andMe released for its members?

23andMe has released new genetic reports for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer based on polygenic risk scores (PRS).

How do the PRS reports calculate the likelihood of developing cancer?

The PRS reports calculate the likelihood of developing cancer based on thousands of genetic variants associated with the disease.

What percentage of 23andMe+ Premium and 23andMe+ Total Health members may see an increased likelihood result?

Up to 5-to-30 percent of current 23andMe+ Premium and 23andMe+ Total Health members may see an increased likelihood result depending on the type of cancer PRS report and their ethnicity.

What are some limitations of the new reports?

Limitations include availability based on self-reported birth sex for breast and prostate cancer PRS reports, exclusion of all genetic variants associated with hereditary cancer syndromes, and the new colorectal cancer report being only available for those of European and Latino/Hispanic descent.

What study has 23andMe launched to address the lack of data for certain ethnicities?

23andMe has launched the Genetic insights into colorectal cancer in the Black community study to improve the polygenic score and provide better information for Black and African American individuals.