23andMe Holding Co., (Nasdaq: ME), a leading human genetics and
preventive health company, today announced an ongoing collaboration
with Mathew Knowles, father of Beyoncé and Solange Knowles,
well-known entrepreneur, global leader in sales and marketing, and
breast cancer survivor, to serve as a new global brand ambassador
for the Company. 23andMe and Mr. Knowles will work together to
spread awareness of the importance of and advocate for increased
accessibility to genetic testing.
23andMe and Mr. Knowles are teaming up to educate the general
public on how an individual’s genetic makeup may impact their
likelihood of developing certain types of cancer, specifically how
BRCA variants can significantly increase one’s chances of
developing breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancer. Studies
have found that more than 80% of individuals with a BRCA1/2 variant
don’t know they have a variant1. Although most cases of breast
cancer are not caused by a BRCA variant and having one doesn’t
guarantee you will develop cancer, there are preventive options,
and early screening can lead to early detection and improve odds of
surviving a diagnosis.
Mr. Knowles previously revealed in 2019 that he had been
diagnosed with Stage 1A breast cancer and had to get a mastectomy.
He also uncovered through further testing that he had a BRCA2 gene
variant, which increases the risk of developing several forms of
cancer in both men and women, including breast cancer. Now
cancer-free, he is passionate about sharing his personal
experience, encouraging others to empower themselves with genetic
risk information and, if needed, take preventive steps with their
medical teams as early as possible.
“In 1980, I had the privilege of selling diagnostic imaging
equipment, ranging from mammography to MRIs and CT scanners. This
experience, coupled with my personal insights, has led me to
believe that a significant transformation is necessary within the
medical profession. I firmly believe that genetic testing should be
the first line of defense,” said Mathew Knowles, MBA, PHD. “By
prioritizing genetic testing, patients can receive critical
information that empowers them to make informed decisions about
their health based on the results. That is why I am honored to
partner with 23andme to raise awareness about the importance of
early detection.”
“Because of his own health journey, Mathew Knowles has been an
ardent advocate for the importance of genetic testing and
recognizing the incredible value in knowing your potential genetic
risk of developing various types of cancer,” said Anne Wojcicki,
CEO and Co-Founder of 23andMe. “I’m proud to partner with Mathew on
amplifying his story and working together to increase accessibility
to genetic testing to empower consumers with this knowledge as it
aligns perfectly with our mission at 23andMe.”
Current guidelines for clinical testing and reimbursement
typically rely on patients having a personal or family history of
cancer, but about half of people with genetic variants don’t
qualify for testing based on these guidelines2, which is why
23andMe and Mr. Knowles believe broader access - especially within
diverse communities - is essential.
23andMe provides an accessible BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants)
Genetic Health Risk report* looking at a select 44 BRCA1/2 variants
through its Health + Ancestry and 23andMe+ Premium services. Its
newest membership and longevity platform, Total Health, employs
next level genetic screening to look at thousands of variants in
the BRCA genes and other genes associated with hereditary cancer
risk.
To learn more about the genetic risks associated with BRCA
variants, please visit: https://www.23andme.com/brca/.
About 23andMe23andMe is a genetics-led consumer
healthcare and biopharmaceutical company empowering a healthier
future. For more information, please visit www.23andMe.com.
About Mathew KnowlesMathew Knowles is a global
leader in sales and marketing, brand development, entrepreneurship,
and leadership. Mr. Knowles is widely regarded as the best in the
world at what he does and is a sought-after speaker, consultant and
trainer for some of the world's largest organizations and
conferences. Mr. Knowles's professional insights and expert digital
content have been recognized by organizations like LinkedIn, where
he's been named a "LinkedIn Top Voice," a distinction reserved for
the world's foremost authorities in their fields. His expertise has
also made him a highly notable advisor for dozens of organizations
across a wide array of industries.
Academically Dr. Knowles has undergraduate degrees in Business
Administration and Economics from Fisk University, MBA and Ph.D
from Cornerstone Christian Bible College and earned Professional
Development Certifications from Harvard University in Ethical
Leadership and Developing Cultural Intelligence. Additionally, Dr.
Knowles is the author of five books, two of which are best sellers
on Amazon and has published a white paper at West Virginia
University titled "Strategic Partnerships at Walmart". Knowles is
currently on the faculty at London College of Contemporary Music
and Pepperdine University.
Forward-Looking StatementsThis 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.
ContactsMedia: press@23andMe.com Investor
Relations: investors@23andMe.com
*The 23andMe PGS test uses qualitative genotyping to detect
select clinically relevant variants in the genomic DNA of adults
from saliva for the purpose of reporting and interpreting genetic
health risks, including the 23andMe PGS Genetic Health Risk Report
for BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants). Your ethnicity may affect the
relevance of each report and how your genetic health risk results
are interpreted. The test is not intended to diagnose any disease
and does not describe a person's overall risk of developing any
type of cancer. It is not intended to tell you anything about your
current state of health, or to be used to make medical decisions,
including whether or not you should take a medication, how much of
a medication you should take, or determine any treatments.
Warnings & Limitations: The 23andMe PGS
Genetic Health Risk Report for BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) is
indicated for reporting of 44 variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2
genes. The report describes if a person's genetic result is
associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer and
ovarian cancer and may be associated with an increased risk for
prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and potentially other cancers.
The variants included in this report do not represent the majority
of the BRCA1/BRCA2 variants in people of most ethnicities. This
report does not include variants in other genes linked to
hereditary cancers and the absence of variants included in this
report does not rule out the presence of other genetic variants
that may impact cancer risk. This report is for over-the-counter
use by adults over the age of 18, and provides genetic information
to inform discussions with a healthcare professional. The PGS test
is not a substitute for visits to a healthcare professional for
recommended screenings or appropriate follow-up. Results should be
confirmed by an independent genetic test prescribed by your own
healthcare provider before taking any medical action.For important
information and limitations regarding each genetic health risk and
carrier status report, visit 23andme.com/test-info/.
1
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2703131
2 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-63466-x
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