Genetic Testing Will Move to Mainstream Acceptance

Implications: The passage of this bill by the Senate and the likely passage by the house are both good for consumers as well as the companies that conduct genetic testing.

Analysis: Genetic testing, although still early in development, has begun to receive more interest from consumers and physicians. One of the main fears of individual's has been the concern that these test results would be shared with insurers who would then increase premiums or not offer them insurance.  The passage by the Senate and the expected passage by the House of a bill "barring discrimination based on one's genetics" is good news for consumers as well as the companies that are selling this technology.  This will increase teh demand and speed acceptance.

While 23andMe and Navigenics have received a lot of press based upon their investors, deCode is the company that has actually made may of these genetic discoveries and does research in this area as well as pharmaceutical research based upon their genetic discoveries. I would expect savvy consumers and providers to ultimately use the deCode service if marketed and priced competitively.