23andMe will evaluate and approve research proposals for inclusion in the 23andWe program.
Once a proposal is approved, 23andMe researchers will develop on-line surveys for collecting phenotypic information from 23andMe customers.
Customers then can participate in the study by completing the on-line surveys.
When the data are compiled, 23andMe researchers will analyze it with the goal of determining the genetic bases for certain traits or diseases.
23andMe will provide 23andWe participants with regular updates about 23andWe projects and information as to how they can become more involved in genetics research.
One of the first initiatives of 23andWe seeks to advance the understanding of Parkinson’s disease through a partnership with the Parkinson’s Institute of Sunnyvale, CA. This project is designed to improve current methods of collecting information for Parkinson’s research by leveraging the internet to dramatically expand the involvement of Parkinson’s patients in clinical research and increase the frequency and quality of patient data collection. 23andMe expects to add more 23andWe initiatives on a regular basis. 23andMe co-founders Linda Avey and Anne Wojcicki hope that 23andWe will usher in a positive change in the approach to genetic research, one that will garner results more quickly and inclusively. “We encourage disease communities to utilize the platform for self-initiated studies, which could be especially compelling to those with rare conditions.” About The D: All Things Digital conference The Wall Street Journal’s sixth annual D: All Things Digital conference is being held May 27-29, 2008 in Carlsbad, California. The conference brings together the top players in the world of digital technology for conversations about the impact of technology on society now and in the future. Media Contact: Proposals for 23andWe studies can be sent to: [email protected].