Don't keep Your Genomes secret
PopScience: Do pharmaceutical companies trust their DNA?
Copper news based on Popular Science: Should you trust big pharma with your DNA?
In January, the biotech company Genentech spent $10 million to access the DNA of 3,000 Parkinsonists and their relatives. A week later, Pfizer paid for the genomes of 5,000 people with lupus. Even the US White House did not stand aside: in February, President Barack Obama opened the collection of genetic information from a million volunteers for $ 215 million.
At least 11 more such "deals" are planned in the near future – and in them the private company 23andMe can make money on the biological characteristics of its customers.
For some, the sale or voluntary donation of information on their genome causes rejection. However, this is what could change the future of medicine. Scientists will receive tools for the development of gene-specific drug therapy. In addition, it is possible to find genetic markers of diseases, which will lead to individualization and greater effectiveness of medical prevention.
Like any data collection service, the confidentiality of such events is questioned. Even a small segment of DNA can reveal a medical history, predict future risks, or indicate the father of the child. However, Dave Kaufman of the National Human Genome Research Institute says these concerns are far-fetched. Scientific materials are anonymous and carefully guarded – although the hacker attack on the Anthem insurance company has shaken the confidence of users. In some countries, this data is legally protected.
Perhaps the most convincing argument for "donating" DNA is that most people are completely unconcerned about it. Moreover, 80% of 23andMe users have already decided to open information on their genomes to researchers. Whether they understand the full extent of the consequences of such an action is still a question. But most people, especially those with familial genetic disorders, most likely realize that they will gain more from potential discoveries than they will lose by revealing biological identity.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru07.04.2015