23andMe Class Action Lawsuit: DNA Spit Kit Falsely Advertised

Last Updated on May 1, 2020

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At A Glance

This Alert Affects
Those who purchased the $99 DNA "spit kit" from 23andMe.
Damages
Lawsuits accuse 23andMe of falsely advertising its DNA test kit because the company allegedly claimed that the product would tell users if they were prone to more than 240 health conditions and diseases; however, 23andMe never provided any scientific proof for its findings nor did it receive FDA premarket approval for the product.
Company(ies)
23andMe Inc.
Additional Details
Consumers who purchase the kit are instructed to spit into a saliva depository that is to be mailed back to the company for DNA testing. After "testing" the DNA, 23andMe sends the user a report revealing genetic characteristics that could put them at risk for diseases such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, or rheumatoid arthritis. The PGS test sells for $99.00 plus applicable taxes.
Date
On November 22, 2013, the FDA sent a letter to 23andMe warning that it would interfere with sales of the product if the company did not provide scientific evidence that the kit provides accurate medical reports – which the FDA had sought from 23andMe since 2009.