Is deCODEme trying to migrate their business model along with 23andMe customer data?
Daniel MacArthur of Genetic Future postulates that deCODEme’s decision to offer existing 23andMe customers the ability to upload their raw data into deCODEme’s service for free is a way to introduce and impress consumers with their own interface.
Dan Vorhaus of Genomics Law Report points out that deCODEme may be looking for a cost-effective manner in which to pursue a DTC genomic research model.
As Daniel MacArthur states in his post:
Those of you who’ve been following the personal genomics industry will know that the value of genome scans is not in the actual generation of the data (this is a straightforward procedure), but in the breadth and quality of the interpretation service.
Maybe, deCODEme is transforming themselves…from test provider to data interpreter. Why?
1. As we all know, the cost of testing is decreasing and “affordable” whole genome sequencing is on the not so distant horizon. This means that margins may be squeezed and more companies may be entering the testing space. Besides exiting what may become a commodity business, deCODEme may lower the barrier to entry for new test providers by eliminating their need to build an interpretation service by simply licensing one from deCODEme.
2. There is demand for consistency in data interpretation, as the inconsistency between risk calculation methodologies is one the roadblocks (the biggest being clinical utility) to widespread consumer and professional adoption of these services.
3. If deCODEme’s interface is friendlier and of higher quality, consumers may buy the cheapest test but then pay for a better interpretation.
It may be one way to cut their overhead, while at the same time, capitalize on what they perceive to be their best asset.
[...] Does the test provider have adequate privacy policies, which is particularly important these days in light of the deCODEme bankruptcy and all the questions about ownership of data (and which was discussed in a prior blog post)? [...]