Sei Blockchain to Acquire 23andMe: On-Chain Genetic Data Plans Revealed

Sei Blockchain, the layer-1 chain in a significant bet towards the developing concept of decentralised science, has announced the acquisition of 23andMe after the latter filed for the Chapter-11 Bankruptcy.

The California-based genetic testing and biotech company, 23andMe, has been offering DNA testing via saliva samples for millions of Americans since 2007.

Arguably, Sei revealed in a X post that it is acquiring 23andMe “to defend the genetic privacy of 15 million Americans and ensure their data is protected for generations to come”

Coming amidst the financial vulnerabilities of 23andMe, the Chapter 11 bankruptcy under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code allows businesses (and sometimes individuals) to reorganize their debts while continuing operations.

Decoding the Sei Blockchain’s 23andMe Acquisition

Sei Blockchain has called the genetic data privacy as a national security concern. As per the 23andMe acquisition update, Sei is aiming to bring all the genetic data collected by 23andMe over the years on the Sei Blockchain.

It will further return data ownership to users through encrypted, confidential transfers.

Notably, Blockchain’s immutable and decentralized nature can reduce the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.

With Sei Blockchain’s acquisition, users will also have opportunities to monetize their data by either consenting to participate in research studies or share information with pharmaceutical companies. Since all the transactions will be transparently recorded on the blockchain, users can be contended about security.

As 23andMe approaches Bankruptcy, several attorney generals including NY Attorney General Letita James have already asked the firm to delete the genetic data of millions of Americans that it has collected over the years.

Its stock price has also declined by 59% after the bankruptcy announcement, with many users already starting to delete their accounts.

On the contrast, recently, Donald Trump’s DeFi project World Liberty Financial acquired another 541,242 SEI coins, pushing the SEI price up by 7.3%.

As revealed in the Bankruptcy notice, Anne Wojcicki has also resigned from her role as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately, by mutual agreement between Ms. Wojcicki and the Special Committee.

But What lead 23andMe to go Bankrupt?

In 2007, 23andMe became the first company to offer at-home genetic testing, allowing individuals to send a saliva sample for DNA analysis.

However, once a leader in at-home DNA testing is set to be acquired by Sei Blockchain after 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 23.

Initially, the company saw strong sales, but interest in genetic testing waned, leading to unsustainable revenue. Despite securing major investments, including $300 million from GlaxoSmithKline and a $3.5 billion valuation upon going public in 2021, 23andMe failed to develop a recurring revenue model.

The company also faced reputational damage due to a 2023 data breach that compromised 6.9 million customer records, leading to lawsuits and eroding consumer trust. Additionally, a costly $400 million acquisition of Lemonaid Health in 2021 did not yield expected financial returns.

Internal leadership struggles further contributed to instability with the entire independent board resigning in late 2024. And now as part of its bankruptcy filing, 23andMe is now looking to sell its genetic database – the opportunity that Sei Blockchain is seeking to seize.

Pioneering move for DeSci?

By integrating 23andMe’s genetic records onto the Sei blockchain, the Sei foundation can provide users with secure, encrypted control over their personal information.

This approach also aligns with the principles of Decentralized Science (DeSci), which seeks to apply blockchain technology to scientific research and data management. This notably helps in promoting transparency and user empowerment.​

However, ensuring the accurate and secure transfer of vast amounts of sensitive genetic data to the Sei blockchain would be a daunting task for Sei.

But if successful, this endeavor could redefine data ownership and privacy in the genomic era, and empower individuals with unprecedented control over their most personal information – GENETIC!