23andMe will share data of 5m users with GSK for research purposes - 27 July 2018

[MelmothTheLost]

DNA ancestry firm 23andMe will SHARE the genetic data of its 5 million customers with drug company GlaxoSmithKline as part of a new deal that has privacy experts concerned

If you've completed a home DNA kit from 23andMe to test whether you're at risk of certain genetic diseases, or where your ancestors originated across the globe – your genetic information could be mined by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to design new drugs.

The multi-national pharmaceutical firm has partnered with the genetic ancestry company 23andMe as part of a new deal that will allow GSK access to the personal data of five million people.

When users sign-up for a DNA test with 23andMe, they are asked whether their genetic information can be used for research purposes.

In the past, this has included collaborations with the likes of the United States National Institutes of Health.

GSK gains access to 5 million 23andMe customer's data | Daily Mail Online

 

[silverjug]

Big Pharma and their endless quest for money.

 

[Bluefield]

Oh, good to know. I'm not OK with any pharmaceutical company having access to my DNA.