23andMe Launches New Homocysteine (MTHFR-Related) Genetic Report and Accompanying Lab Test
23andMe (ME) has launched a new genetic report and optional blood test for homocysteine levels, exclusively available to 23andMe+ Premium members. The report analyzes two common genetic variants in the MTHFR gene (C677T and A1298C) that may indicate a predisposition to slightly elevated homocysteine levels.
The highly requested feature allows users to understand their genetic likelihood of developing elevated homocysteine levels, an amino acid that requires vitamins B6, B12, and folate for proper processing. Elevated levels may increase risks of cognitive decline and stroke. The company is also offering an optional laboratory test for customers to directly measure their homocysteine levels.
This launch represents a step toward personalized preventive medicine, combining genetic insights with traditional blood testing. The report acknowledges its limitations, noting that it doesn't account for all possible genetic variants or non-genetic factors affecting homocysteine levels.
23andMe (ME) ha lanciato un nuovo rapporto genetico e un test del sangue opzionale per i livelli di omocisteina, disponibile esclusivamente per i membri premium di 23andMe+. Il rapporto analizza due varianti genetiche comuni nel gene MTHFR (C677T e A1298C) che possono indicare una predisposizione a livelli leggermente elevati di omocisteina.
Questa funzionalità molto richiesta consente agli utenti di comprendere la loro probabilità genetica di sviluppare livelli elevati di omocisteina, un aminoacido che richiede le vitamine B6, B12 e folato per un corretto metabolismo. Livelli elevati possono aumentare i rischi di declino cognitivo e ictus. L'azienda offre anche un test di laboratorio opzionale per misurare direttamente i livelli di omocisteina dei clienti.
Questo lancio rappresenta un passo verso la medicina preventiva personalizzata, combinando approfondimenti genetici con test del sangue tradizionali. Il rapporto riconosce le sue limitazioni, notando che non tiene conto di tutte le possibili varianti genetiche o di fattori non genetici che influenzano i livelli di omocisteina.
23andMe (ME) ha lanzado un nuevo informe genético y una prueba de sangre opcional para los niveles de homocisteína, disponible exclusivamente para miembros premium de 23andMe+. El informe analiza dos variantes genéticas comunes en el gen MTHFR (C677T y A1298C) que pueden indicar una predisposición a niveles ligeramente elevados de homocisteína.
Esta característica muy solicitada permite a los usuarios comprender su probabilidad genética de desarrollar niveles elevados de homocisteína, un aminoácido que requiere vitaminas B6, B12 y ácido fólico para su correcto procesamiento. Los niveles elevados pueden aumentar los riesgos de deterioro cognitivo y accidente cerebrovascular. La empresa también ofrece una prueba de laboratorio opcional para que los clientes midan directamente sus niveles de homocisteína.
Este lanzamiento representa un paso hacia la medicina preventiva personalizada, combinando conocimientos genéticos con pruebas de sangre tradicionales. El informe reconoce sus limitaciones, señalando que no tiene en cuenta todas las posibles variantes genéticas o factores no genéticos que afectan los niveles de homocisteína.
23andMe (ME)는 호모시스테인 수치에 대한 새로운 유전 보고서와 선택적 혈액 검사를 출시했습니다. 이는 23andMe+ 프리미엄 회원만 이용할 수 있습니다. 이 보고서는 MTHFR 유전자의 두 가지 일반적인 유전자 변이(C677T 및 A1298C)를 분석하여 약간 높은 호모시스테인 수치에 대한 소인을 나타낼 수 있습니다.
많은 요청을 받은 이 기능은 사용자가 호모시스테인 수치가 높아질 가능성을 이해할 수 있도록 도와줍니다. 호모시스테인은 비타민 B6, B12 및 엽산이 필요하여 제대로 처리됩니다. 높은 수치는 인지 저하 및 뇌졸중의 위험을 증가시킬 수 있습니다. 회사는 고객이 자신의 호모시스테인 수치를 직접 측정할 수 있는 선택적 실험실 검사도 제공합니다.
이번 출시는 유전적 통찰력과 전통적인 혈액 검사를 결합한 개인화된 예방 의학을 향한 한 걸음을 나타냅니다. 이 보고서는 모든 가능한 유전자 변이 또는 호모시스테인 수치에 영향을 미치는 비유전적 요인을 고려하지 않는다는 한계를 인정합니다.
23andMe (ME) a lancé un nouveau rapport génétique et un test sanguin optionnel pour les niveaux d'homocystéine, disponible exclusivement pour les membres premium de 23andMe+. Le rapport analyse deux variantes génétiques courantes dans le gène MTHFR (C677T et A1298C) qui peuvent indiquer une prédisposition à des niveaux légèrement élevés d'homocystéine.
Cette fonctionnalité très demandée permet aux utilisateurs de comprendre leur probabilité génétique de développer des niveaux élevés d'homocystéine, un acide aminé qui nécessite des vitamines B6, B12 et de l'acide folique pour un traitement adéquat. Des niveaux élevés peuvent augmenter les risques de déclin cognitif et d'accident vasculaire cérébral. L'entreprise propose également un test de laboratoire optionnel pour que les clients mesurent directement leurs niveaux d'homocystéine.
Ce lancement représente un pas vers la médecine préventive personnalisée, combinant des informations génétiques avec des tests sanguins traditionnels. Le rapport reconnaît ses limites, notant qu'il ne prend pas en compte toutes les variantes génétiques possibles ou les facteurs non génétiques affectant les niveaux d'homocystéine.
23andMe (ME) hat einen neuen genetischen Bericht und einen optionalen Bluttest für Homocysteinwerte eingeführt, der ausschließlich für 23andMe+ Premium-Mitglieder verfügbar ist. Der Bericht analysiert zwei häufige genetische Varianten im MTHFR-Gen (C677T und A1298C), die auf eine Neigung zu leicht erhöhten Homocysteinwerten hinweisen können.
Dieses sehr nachgefragte Feature ermöglicht es den Nutzern, ihre genetische Wahrscheinlichkeit zu verstehen, erhöhte Homocysteinwerte zu entwickeln. Homocystein ist eine Aminosäure, die für die richtige Verarbeitung die Vitamine B6, B12 und Folsäure benötigt. Erhöhte Werte können das Risiko für kognitive Beeinträchtigungen und Schlaganfälle erhöhen. Das Unternehmen bietet auch einen optionalen Labortest an, mit dem Kunden ihre Homocysteinwerte direkt messen können.
Dieser Launch stellt einen Schritt in Richtung personalisierter Präventivmedizin dar, indem genetische Erkenntnisse mit traditionellen Blutuntersuchungen kombiniert werden. Der Bericht erkennt seine Einschränkungen an und weist darauf hin, dass nicht alle möglichen genetischen Varianten oder nicht-genetischen Faktoren, die die Homocysteinwerte beeinflussen, berücksichtigt werden.
- New revenue stream through Premium membership feature and optional blood testing
- Expansion into personalized preventive medicine market
- Meeting customer demand with highly requested genetic testing feature
- test scope - doesn't account for all genetic variants affecting homocysteine levels
- Service restricted to Premium members only, limiting market reach
Insights
23andMe's launch of their homocysteine genetic report with an optional blood test represents a strategic expansion of their business model that could unlock new revenue streams. This move signals two important developments:
First, by offering this feature exclusively to 23andMe+ Premium members, the company is strengthening its subscription value proposition, potentially driving higher conversion rates and retention for their premium tier. The fact this was among their "top requested" reports suggests there's existing demand they're now capitalizing on.
Second, and more significantly, this marks 23andMe's entry into laboratory testing services through the optional blood test offered at an additional fee. This represents a natural extension of their genetics platform that creates a new transactional revenue component beyond subscriptions. It establishes a blueprint for how 23andMe could monetize its vast genetic database by connecting genetic predispositions with actionable testing services.
The strategy cleverly bridges two typically separate healthcare information streams – genetic predisposition and current biomarker status – creating a more comprehensive health picture for consumers. This positions 23andMe at the intersection of genetic insights and actionable health monitoring, potentially differentiating them in the increasingly competitive consumer genetics market.
While this single product addition won't dramatically transform 23andMe's financial trajectory immediately, it demonstrates the company's ability to innovate beyond its core genetic testing business and develop new paths to monetization.
23andMe's new homocysteine report and blood test offering represents a calculated step into the growing preventative healthcare testing market. The MTHFR gene variants they're testing have generated significant consumer interest, though with mixed scientific consensus on their clinical significance.
What's technically impressive is how 23andMe is creating a closed-loop system: genetic predisposition identification followed by biomarker verification and monitoring. This is the essence of personalized medicine – using genetic information to guide targeted testing and interventions rather than broad-spectrum screening for everyone.
The business innovation here is noteworthy. By offering direct-to-consumer lab testing that's "not readily available for most consumers from their doctors," 23andMe is positioning itself as a healthcare gatekeeper, bypassing traditional medical channels. This disintermediation strategy could scale beyond this single test to other biomarkers with genetic correlations.
However, the healthcare impact should be viewed cautiously. While elevated homocysteine has associations with cardiovascular and neurological risks, most people with MTHFR variants maintain normal levels. The supplement industry has extensively marketed to MTHFR variant carriers, creating consumer demand that sometimes exceeds clinical utility.
For 23andMe, this represents a logical testing ground for their hybrid genetic-plus-biomarker business model. If successful, expect expansion to more clinically significant markers where the genetic-biomarker relationship has stronger medical consensus and intervention pathways.
Provides 23andMe+ Premium members with highly requested insight into their likelihood of developing slightly elevated homocysteine levels
SAN FRANCISCO, March 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 23andMe Holding Co. (Nasdaq: ME), a leading human genetics company with a mission to help people access, understand, and benefit from the human genome, today released a new report on the genetics of homocysteine levels for 23andMe+ Premium members, as well as a blood test for next steps in further understanding said levels for an additional fee. One of the top 23andMe customer requested reports, it informs users if they are at a higher likelihood of developing slightly elevated homocysteine levels along with actionable lifestyle factors that can reduce their chances.
Homocysteine is an amino acid that plays a key role in important processes like making proteins. Vitamins B6, B12, and folate (also called B9) help convert homocysteine into other substances your body needs. This report is based on two common genetic variants in the MTHFR gene, called C677T and A1298C, that can lead to small increases in homocysteine levels. If homocysteine is too high, it can increase the risk of certain conditions such as cognitive decline and stroke.
Most people with MTHFR variants are still expected to have homocysteine levels within the normal range. But for those who are concerned, a blood test can check homocysteine levels. Customers are able to order a lab test* that is not readily available for most consumers from their doctors through 23andMe Labs to determine their levels and take action to lower them if needed.
“We are excited to give our customers access to a report they have been asking about for years as we believe in providing genetic information - and addressing the noise surrounding its use case - to empower consumers to take their health journeys into their own hands,” said Robin Smith, Director of Product Management at 23andMe. “By also allowing users to add on an accompanying blood test, we are paving the way for the future of personalized, preventive medicine where everyone can get a holistic look at their health status through the powerful combination of genetics and blood.”
While 23andMe's new report provides insights into one's likelihood of developing slightly elevated levels of homocysteine, it does not account for every possible genetic variant that could impact a person’s likelihood of developing the condition, nor does it account for non-genetic factors. To learn more about the new Homocysteine (MTHFR-Related) report & lab test and how to become a 23andMe+ Premium member, visit https://www.23andme.com/membership/.
About 23andMe
23andMe is a genetics-led consumer healthcare and research 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. 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
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*Blood testing services are available to eligible customers over 18 years of age after completion of an intake questionnaire that must be reviewed, approved and ordered by a third-party clinician. Lab services are for in-person blood testing at a Quest patient service center. Not available in NY, NJ, RI, OK, HI, PR
FAQ
What does 23andMe's (ME) new homocysteine report test for?
How can ME customers access the new homocysteine testing feature?
What health risks are associated with elevated homocysteine levels in 23andMe's report?
What vitamins are important for homocysteine processing according to 23andMe's report?
