California Licenses 2 Companies to Offer Gene Services

August 21, 2008 | Source: New York Times

California has granted business licenses to companies that offer consumers information about their genes: Navigenics and 23andMe, requiring doctors to be involved in ordering genetic tests.

Both offer services, costing from $1,000 to $2,500, that scan a person’s whole genome, providing a variety of information about the risk of various diseases.

New York State also has taken action against at least 31 genetic testing companies, saying they cannot solicit business from New York residents.