The Sei Basis, the nonprofit behind the Sei blockchain, mentioned Thursday that it’s contemplating buying bankrupt genomics agency 23andMe. The purpose, it mentioned, is safeguarding genetic privateness for 15m Individuals by securing their knowledge on blockchain.
23andMe, launched in 2006, turned widespread for reasonably priced at-home genetic testing kits. These kits supply customers insights into their ancestry, genetic traits and potential well being dangers. Subsequently, the corporate expanded into a number one direct-to-consumer genetic testing supplier. In consequence, it accrued huge genomic datasets from tens of millions worldwide.
Introduced through an X submit Thursday, the initiative marks Sei Basis’s strongest push but into decentralized science (DeSci), a motion selling transparency and consumer management in scientific knowledge administration.
Notably, Sei devoted a $65m enterprise fund particularly for DeSci startups earlier this 12 months.
The Sei Basis is within the technique of inserting its boldest DeSci wager but.@Sei_FND is formally exploring the acquisition of @23andMe to defend the genetic privateness of 15 million Individuals and guarantee their knowledge is protected for generations to return.
We consider consumer knowledge… pic.twitter.com/c06R2QPyff— Sei
(@SeiNetwork) March 27, 2025
“We consider consumer knowledge sovereignty is a matter of nationwide safety,” the inspiration mentioned.
Why Blockchain Could Resolve Genomic Information Vulnerabilities
With 23andMe going through chapter, delicate genomic knowledge dangers falling into the palms of entities much less dedicated to transparency. By integrating genetic knowledge onto blockchain, Sei Basis intends to supply a novel degree of safety and consumer autonomy.
Particularly, blockchain integration would encrypt genetic knowledge, that means knowledge could be securely saved. This additionally means entry would require consumer consent.
Blockchain permits people to manage their knowledge straight. Customers determine who sees their data and the way it’s shared. They might even revenue from sharing their knowledge. This mannequin sharply contrasts the present apply the place firms primarily revenue from consumer knowledge.
Why Sei’s Blockchain May Remodel Genetic Information Monetization
Sei Basis’s technique consists of deploying 23andMe’s knowledge onto Sei blockchain, described by the inspiration as most performant blockchain constructed for web-scale purposes.” Customers might then securely switch genetic knowledge, preserve privateness and share in monetization efforts—a considerable shift towards real possession and transparency.
Sei Basis envisions the buyout as setting a precedent for the way genetic knowledge could possibly be responsibly managed. If profitable, it could rework the connection between know-how firms, shoppers and private well being knowledge within the long-term.
Additional particulars and progress updates from Sei Basis are anticipated quickly.
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