FDA Gives 23andMe Green Light for 10 Additional Diseases

Post date: Apr 7, 2017 5:14:35 PM

Yesterday, the FDA granted 23andMe approval to market genetic risk factors for 10 additional diseases in their health risk reports. According to the FDA's press release, these additional diseases include:

• Parkinson’s disease, a nervous system disorder impacting movement;
• Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive brain disorder that destroys memory and thinking skills;
• Celiac disease, a disorder resulting in the inability to digest gluten;
• Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a disorder that raises the risk of lung and liver disease;
• Early-onset primary dystonia, a movement disorder involving involuntary muscle contractions and other uncontrolled movements;
• Factor XI deficiency, a blood clotting disorder;
• Gaucher disease type 1, an organ and tissue disorder;
• Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase deficiency, also known as G6PD, a red blood cell condition;
• Hereditary hemochromatosis, an iron overload disorder; and
• Hereditary thrombophilia, a blood clot disorder.

This is big news for both 23andMe and for consumers!

23andMe has referred to the risk factors for these additional diseases as a "new category of health reports", so it is unclear if these genetic risk factors will be added to your current health reports, or if 23andMe will be charging an additional fee to current customers for access to these health reports.

23andMe has also indicated that they will release the first five (5) of these new genetic risk factor reports in the US by the end of April. if you are a current 23andMe customer, you should expect to receive email in the "next few weeks about your eligibility to receive these reports."

Contact Ancestors & Cousins for help in getting the most value from your your DNA test results for genealogical purposes.