Analysis on the Status Quo of the Development of China's Consumer Genetic Testing Market

In recent years, with the continuous development of gene detection technology and continuous improvement in consumer awareness of health care, the consumer-grade genetic testing market has grown rapidly in China. However, at the same time as rapid development, there are also Many problems.

In recent years, consumer-level genetic testing such as ancestral source analysis, genetic risk assessment, and talent prediction has continued to enter the field of vision.

In general, consumer-level genetic testing, also known as DTC gene detection, is a direct-to-consumer service. Users can purchase via Internet or APP orders. After receiving a sample cartridge, place a test strip or saliva in a special test tube. And return it to the laboratory. Within a few weeks, you can obtain genetic analysis results including health risks, nutrient metabolism, genetic diseases, drug guidelines, and genetic characteristics. No medical personnel are involved in the entire process.

In foreign countries, consumer-level genetic testing started earlier. 10 years ago, consumer-grade genetic testing products for the general public have emerged in the United States. Today, more representative consumer-level genetic testing companies include 23andMe, Ancestry, Helix, and Human Longevity. Wait.

In 2013, consumer-grade genetic testing companies began to 'land' in China and continued to thrive. According to incomplete statistics, China now has more than 200 consumer-level genetic testing companies. Even so, China's consumer-grade genetic testing is still relatively large. Development space.

1. Increased penetration rate. In China, the total number of individual users participating in consumer-level genetic testing and owning their own data in 2016 was approximately 100,000. In 2017, it was approximately 300,000. Currently, China's consumer-grade genetic testing service population The penetration rate is 0.03%. This figure will reach 3.5% in the next five years, which means that in 2022, China will have 50 million people own their own genome data.

2. Continuous innovation in technology. Continuous innovation in detection technology has on the one hand increased the accuracy of detection, and on the other hand, it has also led to a continuous decline in the cost of genetic testing, which has gradually allowed consumers to accept it. At the same time, it has also promoted the continuous development of the entire genetic testing market. In mature.

3. Capital favor. Due to the rapid development of gene technology, consumer gene detection enterprise Also got the favor of the capital. And then to promote the development speed of the industry.

With the rapid development of the consumer gene sequencing market, there are also many problems:

1. Users recognize limitations. Consumer-level genetic testing is targeted at the general consumer market. Because of the high degree of expertise in gene detection technology, consumers have limited knowledge of genetic testing. This limited understanding includes limited knowledge of the value of genetic testing. , Including the limited understanding of the risk of genetic testing. Such limitations often lead consumers to over-evaluate the product.

2. Price confusion. There are a large number of companies that can carry out consumer-level genetic testing on the market. There are more than 1,000 companies across the country. Detection products and testing prices are also varied. For example, search on the online shopping platform with the keyword 'gene detection' as a keyword search. The prices of genetic testing products ranged from a few hundred yuan to over ten thousand yuan. However, for consumer-level genetic testing, low-throughput gene detection is mostly used. The main methods are PCR methods, gene chips, and Said that the price of each site is measured at only a few cents, even a few cents even lower. Even when it comes to technical costs, manpower, equipment, effects of consumables, and time and management costs. Actually, genes The detection cost of testing is relatively transparent in the industry, but it is still unfamiliar to the general public. Information is not fundamental to price confusion. However, many companies do not have the ability to detect, and they simply use genetic testing as a layer of subcontracting for commodities. , It is also the cause of price confusion.

3. The regulatory policy is not perfect. At present, the country has not yet clarified laws and regulations to regulate consumer-level genetic testing. Many genetic testing companies cooperate with medical institutions to provide patients with medical diagnostic services other than NIPT in the name of scientific research. hospital The information of the subject is extracted, and then sent to the testing company for testing, and the testing company issues a test report. Through such 'grey running', the testing company can get the order, accumulate the data, and the doctor who recommends the patient to order is given the medication guidance. Basis, research data, sales commission.

This gray area seems to be off-line with the regulatory authorities. The original Health Planning Commission's role is to review and standardize the qualification of genetic testing institutions, and CFDA regulates the instruments, reagents, and analytical software on the genetic testing chain. This makes medical institutions, especially It is a genetic testing product provided by an independent clinical laboratory. The management, price and quality involved are not clearly regulated. For companies that compete in the genetic testing market, they are not all good. Because, Protecting the vital interests of consumers or patients, and not really promoting technological innovation

4. The industry's reputation is unfavorable. Due to the lack of effective market operation supervision, the inspection company lacks effective market operation supervision for its agency responsible for market development. As a result, its agency companies and secondary agency companies have experienced many improper operations in the market. Promotion model, and lack of necessary liability constraints. Plus the lack of corresponding laws Regulation To a certain extent, this has caused the agency to exaggerate the publicity of genetic testing products and false propaganda. This has led to consumer distrust of consumer-grade gene sequencing.

5. The lack of data interpretation ability. Most of the time, consumers can get a decent test report for genetic testing, but the problem is that the content of the report is completely incapable of judging the quality of data collection and the quality of interpretation. This is extremely dependent on the data interpretation capabilities of the testing company. For interpretation, there are three main factors: a. Existing academic research, mainly the structuring of existing knowledge; b accumulation of genetic databases, most Entrepreneurship The company is in the initial stage; c. The ability to interpret in the professional field requires professionals in the corresponding fields. However, for the market proxy For the testing and secondary agent testing companies, there are two factors missing.

6. The application scenario is unclear. At present, the main testing items of consumer-level genetic testing mainly include: ancestral analysis, genetic risk, genetic traits, etc., but it is impossible to provide consumers with test reports similar to traditional medical tests. Therefore, consumer-level genetic testing is often a consumer's curiosity and entertainment behavior. Overall, the consumer-grade genetic testing market is not yet clear, and the value it brings is extremely limited.