23andMe Submits Genetic Test Applications with the FDA
23andMe executives want the credibility that FDA clearance provides for its DNA tests and declared their intent to eventually support more clinical laboratory test applications
Offering genetic tests directly to consumers is a controversial subject among some pathologists and healthcare ethics experts, who question both the science of these tests and whether consumers will do the right thing with the information.
Now that debate is likely to heat up, because direct-to-consumer genetic testing company 23andMe recently submitted an application to the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to review and clear its personalized DNA test for market.
On July 30, 23andMe delivered its first round of 510(k) documentation to the FDA. This is a first for the direct-to-consumer genetic testing industry. At the same time, by seeking FDA clearance for its genetic tests, 23andMe will raise interesting issues for the traditional clinical laboratory testing profession. (more…)
