The number of consumers who underwent direct-to-consumer genetic testing surpassed 4 million in 2017, almost double the 2.6 million who reported doing so in 2016, according to an analysis by MIT Technology Review senior editor for biomedicine Antonio Regalado.
Here are four things to know about the growing interest in genetic testing.
1. The majority of those who underwent direct-to-consumer genetic testing reside in the U.S. Mr. Regalado noted industry estimates suggest one in 25 adults in the U.S. have access to their genetic data.
2. Ancestry.com said it has tested more than 7 million people. 23andMe, the second-largest player in direct-to-consumer genetic testing, has tested more than 3 million people.
3. The majority of people's interest in genetic testing is rooted in genealogy testing. Advertising has also helped spur interest in these services: Ancestry.com spent $109 million on U.S. ads in 2016, while 23andMe spent $21 million.
4. Since consumers now have access to their genotype information, industry analysts hypothesize a new market of companies that reanalyze data from Ancestry.com and 23andMe may arise.
To access Mr. Regalado's article, click here.