23andMe Launches New Genetic Report on Bipolar Disorder

June 05, 2024 at 07:00 AM EDT

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., June 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 23andMe Holding Co. (Nasdaq: ME), a leading human genetics and biopharmaceutical company, today released a new genetic Bipolar Disorder report (Powered by 23andMe Research) for 23andMe+ Premium members, informing them if they are at higher likelihood for being diagnosed with the condition. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that can cause extreme and unusual shifts in mood, energy, behavior and activity, ranging from highs (mania) to lows (depression).

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 4.4 percent of American adults have experienced bipolar disorder at some point in their lives, meaning approximately 14 million people in the US have bipolar disorder – about 1 in 100 individuals. Genetics play a major role in bipolar disorder, which is estimated to be between 44-90% heritable.

23andMe’s new report is based on a statistical model known as polygenic risk score (PRS), developed by 23andMe through its proprietary research database. The Bipolar Disorder PRS report calculates the likelihood of an individual being diagnosed with the condition based on thousands of different genetic variants, as well as a customer’s genetic ancestry and birth sex. This report follows other mental health PRS reports that 23andMe has made available to its 23andMe+ Premium members, including reports for Anxiety, Panic Attacks, and Depression.

“According to the CDC, more than one in five adults live with mental illness. Knowing a person’s genetic likelihood for developing bipolar disorder can help identify potential symptoms early on,” said Noura Abul-Husn, MD, PhD, Vice President of Genomic Health at 23andMe. “While there is still ongoing research to understand the causes of bipolar disorder, there are effective treatments and strategies to help manage symptoms. We hope this report, and our other mental health PRS reports, can help reduce some of the stigma around these conditions by providing another resource for people seeking new ways to take care of their well-being.”

The Bipolar Disorder report was developed by 23andMe scientists and clinical experts using 23andMe’s large database of genetic and health information contributed by consented research participants. This white paper provides full details on the science and methodology behind the Company’s PRS technology.

While genetic factors play a role, they do not determine whether a person will develop bipolar disorder. Other non-genetic factors—such as stressful life experiences—may also have an influence. To learn more about the new 23andMe Bipolar Disorder report and how to become a 23andMe+ Premium member, visit https://www.23andme.com/membership/.

About 23andMe
23andMe is a genetics-led consumer healthcare and therapeutics company empowering a healthier future. For more information, please visit investors.23andme.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included or incorporated in this press release are forward-looking statements. The words "believes," "anticipates," "estimates," "plans," "expects," "intends," "may," "could," "should," "potential," "likely," "projects," “predicts,” "continue," "will," “schedule,” and "would" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements are predictions based on 23andMe’s current expectations and projections about future events and various assumptions. 23andMe cannot guarantee that it will actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in its forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on 23andMe’s forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (many of which are beyond the control of 23andMe), or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are also subject generally to other risks and uncertainties that are described from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and as revised and updated by our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The statements made herein are made as of the date of this press release and, except as may be required by law, 23andMe undertakes no obligation to update them, whether as a result of new information, developments, or otherwise.

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23andMe Launches New Genetic Report on Bipolar Disorder

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