23andMe Opens Its API to Developers

September 14, 2012

Creates opportunities to further research through new crowd-sourcing applications

Mountain View, Calif. – September 14, 2012 – 23andMe, the leading personal genetics company, today announced that it will open its application programming interface (API) to third-party developers, beginning September 17, 2012, following a presentation by Mike Polcari, the company’s Director of Engineering, at the Quantified Self Conference in Palo Alto, Calif., on September 16th. 23andMe’s open API is designed to allow authorized developers to build a broad range of new applications and tools for the 23andMe community generated from the company’s data sets. “Opening our API offers an immense opportunity for customers to do more with their DNA,” stated 23andMe CEO and Co-Founder Anne Wojcicki. “While 23andMe has created a number of groundbreaking and innovative tools for our customer to explore their DNA, the API will open the door to the possibility of new web-based interactive tools to be developed by external groups.” 23andMe’s API will require individual-level consent for all data that may be referenced by third-party developers in their applications. Approved developers will receive an authentication key that provides secure access to the platform. Developers can apply to access 23andMe’s API at https://api.23andme.com

About 23andMe

23andMe, Inc., headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA, is a leading consumer genetics and research company. Founded in 2006, the company’s mission is to help people access, understand, and benefit from the human genome. 23andMe has pioneered direct access to genetic information as the only company with multiple FDA clearances for genetic health reports. The company has created the world’s largest crowdsourced platform for genetic research, with 80% of its customers electing to participate. The 23andMe research platform has generated more than 180 publications on the genetic underpinnings of a wide range of diseases. The platform also powers the 23andMe Therapeutics group, currently pursuing drug discovery programs rooted in human genetics across a spectrum of disease areas, including oncology, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases, in addition to other therapeutic areas. More information is available at www.23andMe.com. The Quantified Self Conference brings together technologists, designers, users, entrepreneurs, scientists, health professionals and media to discuss new ideas and collaboration tools that will advance self-tracking projects. “The Quantified Self movement has already expressed interest in an API for the 23andMe platform,” added Mike Polcari, director of engineering at 23andMe “We anticipate a comparable level of interest from the broader developer community for our early-access API program.” An ongoing service, 23andMe’s Personal Genome Service® provides a wealth of information about an individual’s DNA and updates about new research. Customers can also choose to participate in the company’s unique research programs. By completing online surveys, customers contribute directly to genetic research that can potentially lead to better understanding of and new treatments for a variety of health conditions. To learn more, visit https://www.23andme.com