SUNNYVALE, Calif. - 23andMe Holding Co. (NASDAQ:ME), a pioneer in consumer genetics, has launched a new report aimed at helping individuals understand their genetic predisposition to emotional eating. The report is available exclusively to 23andMe+ Premium members.
Emotional eating, defined as eating in response to feelings rather than hunger, is a behavior that can lead to overeating and associated health issues. 23andMe's new offering, the Emotional Eating PRS report, uses a polygenic risk score (PRS) to evaluate the likelihood of an individual's tendency toward emotional eating based on their genetic makeup.
The PRS is a statistical model that combines an individual's genetic data from various markers, considering their genetic ancestry and birth sex. The company's research suggests that genetics may account for 9-60% of the predisposition to emotional eating. However, it is important to note that genetics is just one factor among many that contribute to this behavior.
Dr. Noura Abul-Husn, Vice President of Genomic Health at 23andMe, stated that understanding one's genetic likelihood for emotional eating could lead to early identification of strategies to manage it. Such strategies might include keeping unhealthy foods out of reach or finding healthier activities to cope with emotions.
The development of the Emotional Eating PRS report was based on data and insights from research participants who consented to share their information with 23andMe. While the report provides insights into the likelihood of emotional eating, it is not intended to diagnose current health conditions or to be used for medical decisions.
The report has not been reviewed by the US Food and Drug Administration, and it does not take into account lifestyle or family history. 23andMe emphasizes that while genetic factors can play a role, they are not the sole determinants of emotional eating behaviors.
This new report underscores 23andMe's commitment to expanding its suite of genetic reports designed to offer insights into various aspects of health and wellness. For more information on the Emotional Eating PRS report or to become a 23andMe+ Premium member, interested individuals can visit the company's website.
The information for this article is based on a press release statement.
In other recent news, biotechnology company 23andMe is facing potential delisting from Nasdaq due to non-compliance with corporate governance requirements. This comes after several directors resigned, causing a shortfall in the number of independent directors on the board. The company has until October 3, 2024, to submit a plan to regain compliance.
On the financial front, 23andMe reported a 34% decrease in Q1 2025 revenue, falling to $40 million, primarily due to the termination of a partnership with GSK. However, the company's net loss improved, standing at $69 million compared to the previous year's $105 million. Citi reiterated a Neutral rating on 23andMe, following the presentation of additional trial data.
In boardroom developments, all independent directors resigned over strategic differences with CEO Anne Wojcicki. The company's shareholders approved a reverse stock split, consolidating outstanding Class A and Class B common stock at a ratio to be determined by the board.
In other developments, 23andMe's subsidiary, Lemonaid Health, introduced a new weight loss program providing access to GLP-1 medications through a monthly subscription model. These are the recent developments that have been shaping the trajectory of 23andMe.
InvestingPro Insights
As 23andMe (NASDAQ:ME) continues to innovate in the field of consumer genetics with its new Emotional Eating PRS report, the company's financial health and market performance provide a backdrop for its ability to invest in such research and development. With a market capitalization of approximately $174.32 million, 23andMe is a relatively small player in the biotechnology space, reflecting its specialized niche in genetic testing and analysis.
InvestingPro data indicates that the company has experienced a significant revenue decline over the last twelve months, with a decrease of 32.67%. This contraction in revenue may be a factor for potential investors to consider, as it could impact the company's future growth and ability to fund new projects. Additionally, the company's operating income margin stands at -128.25%, highlighting the challenges it faces in generating profit from its operations.
An InvestingPro Tip worth noting is that analysts do not anticipate 23andMe will be profitable this year, which aligns with the company's current negative P/E ratio of -0.27. Moreover, the company is trading at a low revenue valuation multiple, suggesting that the market may be undervaluing its sales potential relative to its current stock price. It is also important to mention that 23andMe does not pay a dividend to shareholders, which could influence the investment decisions of those seeking regular income from their investments.
For those interested in a deeper dive into 23andMe's financial metrics and future outlook, InvestingPro offers additional tips and data points. Currently, there are seven more InvestingPro Tips available for 23andMe at https://www.investing.com/pro/ME, providing a more comprehensive analysis for investors and analysts alike.
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