By Anne Wojcicki
I’m excited about 2015! We are starting the New Year with new customers around the world, new research collaborations and many employees working diligently on our FDA submission.
As CEOs do, I look into the future to make sure we are working towards our mission: to help people access, understand and benefit from the human genome. I also want to make sure we remain committed to our vision of accelerating the pace of significant genetic discoveries. As we head into 2015, I will continue to be focused on 23andMe initiatives that fulfill our mission and vision.
Our focus on research will grow as we partner with academics and scientists, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies globally, to use genetic data for good. Our research team will collaborate with new partners to find better drug therapies, opportunities for disease prevention, disease treatments and ultimately, genetic paths to cures. This is an important part of why I started the company – to make sure we empower ourselves and empower others. Both are equally important.
I’m excited about the possibility of new discoveries coming out of our collective data for research, and yet I also believe it’s important you are in control of your data. If you do not want to participate in research, you can always opt-out. You own your data.
It’s been an exciting eight years since we launched 23andMe. I have heard from thousands of you about how 23andMe has impacted your life. As we approach our millionth customer, we are planning a celebration that demonstrates the power and potential of individuals owning their DNA.
Do you have a story to share? We would love to hear from you and make you part of our celebration. Send your story to tellannemystory@23andme.com.
I wish you the best for 2015.