Leading genomics and preventative health startup 23andMe has announced a business reorganization with the goal of cutting expenses and simplifying operations. The business is pursuing strategic alternatives for its clinical and preclinical assets while halting the development of its medicines programs, including the termination of clinical trials, as part of this approach. The restructuring includes a 40% workforce reduction, equating to over 200 employees, and is expected to save more than $35 million annually. However, the initiative will incur up to $12 million in severance and termination-related costs. CEO Anne Wojcicki emphasized the importance of focusing on the company’s core consumer business and expressed gratitude to the affected employees.
The discontinued therapeutics portfolio includes programs such as 23ME-00610, which targets the CD200-CD200R1 pathway, and 23ME-01473, designed to restore anti-tumor immunity through NK and T cells. While pursuing licensing, asset sales, or other transactions, 23andMe acknowledges no guaranteed outcomes. Despite these changes, the company remains committed to advancing health through its consumer genetics offerings and research partnerships.
