MW 23andMe sells its most valuable asset. Regeneron promises keep your DNA private.

By Steve Gelsi

Bankruptcy court-appointed consumer privacy ombudsman will present a report on June 10 on any potential impact on the security of client information

Regeneron said Monday it will "prioritize the privacy, security and ethical use" of the personal DNA data from about 15 million people in a $256 million deal to acquire assets of bankrupt 23andMe Holding Co.

Regeneron pledged to work with an independent, court-appointed customer-privacy ombudsman to protect clients - a requirement of all bidders in the bankruptcy auction for 23andMe.

Also read: 23andMe wants to sell its most valuable asset. Will your private DNA data be safe?

Regeneron said it will continue uninterrupted service of 23andMe's consumer genome services - such as connecting with living relatives with shared DNA - after its purchase closes as expected in the third quarter of this year.

Regeneron's stock $(REGN)$ rose 0.9% in premarket trading.

The deal comes just a couple of months after 23andME filed for bankruptcy in the Eastern District of Missouri in March, with a pledge at the time to safeguard its trove of genetic data.

As part of the acquisition, the consumer-privacy ombudsman will present a report on June 10 on any potential impact on the security of client information. 23andMe has posted updates on the bankruptcy proceedings here.

Regeneron co-Chair and President George D. Yancopoulos said the company has a proven track record in protecting genetic data at its genetics center, which it uses to identify genes associated with specific illnesses.

"We believe we can help 23andMe deliver and build upon its mission to help people learn about their own DNA and how to improve their personal health, while furthering Regeneron's efforts to improve the health and wellness of many," Yancopoulos said in a statement.

The bankruptcy court is scheduled to review and potentially approve the transaction on June 17.

23andMe Holding Co. went public in 2021 by combining with a SPAC formed by British billionaire Richard Branson in a deal valued at $3.5 billion at the time.

Regeneron is a medicine developer that rang up $3.7 billion in sales for its anti-inflammatory drug Dupixent as a treatment for eczema, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, in its latest quarter. It also makes Eylea, which it developed with Bayer.

Ahead of Monday's moves, Regeneron's stock has fallen 16.6% in 2025, while the S&P 500 SPX has risen 1.3%.

Also read: Regeneron's earnings boosted by more than doubling of U.S. sales of blockbuster eye drug Eylea

-Steve Gelsi

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May 19, 2025 08:40 ET (12:40 GMT)

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