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New research from 23andMe used genome-wide association studies to explore the genetics of 33 different rare diseases and included people of European, African, Latino, East Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern and other ancestries. As a complement to sequencing-based approaches, “this is exciting because it offers a viable alternative for studying rare diseases,” said Suyash Shringarpure, PhD, a 23andMe senior scientist and statistical geneticist, who worked on the study. “This approach will enable us to discover new genetic associations across multiple populations much faster than could be done otherwise.”
As part of our 23andMe+ membership, we released a new report powered by 23andMe research on eczema (atopic dermatitis), a condition that affects about 10% of the adult U.S. population. This report allows members to see if their DNA is associated with an increased likelihood of developing the condition. 23andMe is committed to fueling our customers’ health journeys on an ongoing basis because we know no one is ever done being healthy. That’s why we created 23andMe+, an annual membership that delivers exclusive reports and features throughout the year.
In honor of Pride Month, we wanted to highlight our LGBTQ employee resource group (ERG). Aaron Pelina said, "Having an LGBTQ ERG has made me feel included, providing me with a safe space to be and allowing me to meet other members of the community, especially joining the company at a time when everything is virtual." This group is open for anyone in the company to join and has been a great way for people to connect while we are still working from home. Pictured are a few of the LGBTQ ERG members at their virtual Pride Month Happy Hour.
Last Saturday, we celebrated Juneteenth, the day that marks the end of slavery in the United States. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was signed two and a half years prior, the remaining 250,000 slaves in Texas weren’t actually freed until June 19, 1865. As we celebrate this historic milestone of freedom for Black people in the U.S., we also recognize the work we must continue to do to achieve a more equitable world. We are excited to make Juneteenth an official company holiday to give our employees this Friday off to celebrate, reflect, and volunteer.
23andMe is now listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange as $ME! We were founded in 2006 with a passion for genetics and a desire to empower individuals to be in control of their health. As a public company, we have the opportunity to expand on our mission and have an even louder voice about the importance of making personalized healthcare a reality. Thank you to our customers for being a part of our journey and helping us get to where we are today. We could not be more excited about the future and the power DNA has to make it healthier and better for everyone. #23andMeNasdaqListed #HoorayDNA
Our merger with VG Acquisition Corp has closed. Last Thursday, our CEO Anne Wojcicki rang the Nasdaq opening bell and we began trading under $ME.
Last Saturday, 23andMe employees came together to participate in Walk4Hearing, a 2.3 mile walk with a focus on raising awareness about hearing health and supporting the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA). Thank you to our 23andHear employee resource group for getting people together for the event.
This week, 23andMe employees heard from Dana Pizzuti, Senior Vice President of Development Operations and Chief Medical Officer at Ascendis Pharma. She discussed her experience of transitioning at her former company as the highest-ranking opening transgender employee. Dana also shared the scope of transitioning and the discrimination that can happen. She ended her discussion by highlighting the importance of being an ally and understanding the difference between being tolerant vs supportive in the workplace.
As part of the 23andMe COVID-19 Study, researchers have newly identified a genetic variant associated with COVID-19 induced loss of smell or taste. This adds another piece to the COVID-19 puzzle and builds on the work done by 23andMe and others over the last year.
Last Friday our LGBTQ+ employee resource group hosted a Pride Month event. It was a fun and celebratory event that highlighted the importance of Pride Month. The event included messages from 23andMe employees on what Pride Month means to them, an overview on the history of the month and even performances by drag queens Sentra Petals, Nia Politan and Rosie Petals.
