Freakonomics Radio 378. 23andMe (and You, and Everyone Else)
May 16, 2019
Anne Wojcicki, Founder and CEO of 23andMe, shares insights on the transformative power of home DNA testing. She discusses the ethical challenges and privacy concerns surrounding personal genetics, especially as they relate to crime-solving. The conversation highlights how genetic testing can empower individuals but may also lead to unexpected revelations. Wojcicki emphasizes the need for diversity in genetic data for better health outcomes and delves into the complexities of motivating lifestyle changes linked to genetic risk awareness.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Larry Page's Criticism
- Larry Page told Anne Wojcicki she was "part of the problem" due to her Wall Street work, which motivated her.
- This, among other factors, pushed her to leave finance and start a company focused on a different approach to healthcare.
FDA Approval Process
- 23andMe received an FDA warning letter in 2013 for providing health reports without approval, being forced to halt.
- The company then worked to gain FDA approval, demonstrating its commitment to providing safe and reliable information.
Doctor's Perspective on Patient-Provided Information
- Doctors face challenges with patients bringing potentially incomplete or inaccurate medical information from online sources.
- Wojcicki argues 23andMe's FDA-approved reports are accurate and empower individuals, especially those lacking consistent primary care.
