23andMe Shifts Focus to Telehealth GLP-1 Prescriptions Amid Strategic Realignment

Consumer genetic testing company 23andMe has announced a strategic shift, closing its drug discovery division while expanding into the rapidly growing GLP-1 drug market. The company plans to offer GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy), through a new telehealth-based weight loss membership program. This program is set to launch by the end of the month.

The new service will be provided through Lemonaid Health, a telehealth provider that 23andMe acquired in 2021. Participants will gain access to GLP-1 prescriptions alongside clinical consultations, aligning with the company's aim to capitalize on the increasing demand for these drugs, known for their effectiveness in weight loss and diabetes management.

In conjunction with this pivot, 23andMe is initiating a large-scale genetic research study to explore how genetic factors influence individual responses to GLP-1 drugs. With a goal of recruiting 10,000 participants, the study seeks to identify genetic predictors that may explain the variability in treatment efficacy and side effects, ranging from gastrointestinal issues to severe complications like pancreatitis or kidney problems. The research will leverage 23andMe’s extensive genetic and phenotypic database, which is among the largest globally, to enhance personalized treatment strategies.

See also: A Booming Anti-Obesity Drug Discovery Landscape at a Glance (With Challenges)

This move comes as 23andMe scales back its drug discovery efforts, a decision revealed in a recent SEC filing. The company will continue to develop two immuno-oncology programs that are currently in clinical trials but has otherwise exited the drug discovery space.

In addition to its telehealth expansion, 23andMe has introduced a new "biological age" feature to its Total Health subscription service. This feature uses a machine learning model to analyze 13 blood-based biomarkers, offering users an estimate of their biological age, which reflects the body's overall health relative to their chronological age. The company claims that this feature can provide insights into organ health and metabolic function, helping users make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle.

Topics: HealthTech