We’re going to need a lot more genetic counselors to help with the new knowledge and care plans. But with many not knowing that their spit sample or blood test results are being sold to third-parties for large sums of money and targeting, privacy issues are certain to mount in the coming years as disease knowledge gets more accurate and more serious.ġ0. The obvious goal of genetic test companies partnering with pharma is drug R&D and drug targeting to specific individuals. In this particular case, 23andMe gained a $300 million investment, and GSK – along with six other pharma companies 23andMe made deals with – get consenting patients behavioral, health and genetic information.ĩ. Since 2017, when 23andMe partnered with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the world has known that genetic testing companies and pharma are linked. You should have major concerns about your privacy. Congress took a major steps toward protecting patient privacy for genetic testing by passing the 2008 Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), which prevents an employer or health insurer from discriminating against Americans based on genetic information.Ĩ. The societal implications of such discrimination could greatly determine who does and does not receive care based simply on profile risk alone.ħ. At present, long-term care insurance, disability insurance and life insurance can prohibit you from coverage if your genetic tests show a propensity for diseases and disorders. But what behavior will certainly change, is how insurance companies, care providers and employers provide and pay for care based on results.Ħ. Although, findings coupled with personal choices and belief systems could alter the way some individuals, families and communities prepare for disease. Thus, many believe few will change personal behavior based on DNA test results. We know smoking and obesity kill millions of Americans each year, and yet those behaviors persist. And despite media hype and flashy press releases, there is currently no single test or tool that can accurately diagnose Alzheimer’s disease or predict with 100% certainty who will develop it – or any of the similar neuro-degenerative diseases.ĥ. Biomarkers and genetic testing for cancer, diabetes, heart disease and other chronic diseases will not introduce the same level of intergenerational stress and concern for families as neurological and degenerative conditions like dementia.