An Aging Population Boosts DNA Businesses

Home DNA testing in Japan is starting to gain ground as more people get older and look for answers on their disease risks.

According to the Fuji Chimera Research Institute, the market for genetic testing for consumers is expected to reach 6.6 billion yen (50 million euros) by 2022, against 4.3 billion yen Last year.

The sector is dominated by two companies, Genesis Healthcare and Genequest. For 5,000 to 30,000 yen, clients can send an oral sample to know their propensity for intolerance to alcohol and allergies, to the risks of diabetes and stroke.

Japan is aging rapidly, with one-third of the population estimated to be 65 or older in 2035.

As more and more people are aware of the health risks detected by rapid DNA testing, the market Japanese self tests is tiny by the United States, where people spent $ 73 million (62 million euros) on genetic exams last year, according to Kalorama Information.

The two Japanese startups are betting that test kits, as well as online services using compiled genetic data, will find greater demand as people become more confident in the technology.

"I see a lot of potential in the business," said Genequest founder Shoko Takahashi. Genesis, the largest testing firm with 70% of the domestic market, has compiled data for more than 600,000 users, and aims to reach 1 million this year.

She also operates as GeneLife in Japan. Rakuten invested 1.4 billion yen in the start-up in Tokyo last August. (Bloomberg)

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