Benefits found all in the genes

Though a genome test revealed disturbing news for Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, he did not panic, and found a positive way to fight against it.

Several evenings a week, after a day's work at Google's headquarters in Mountain View, California, Brin changes into swimming trunks, climbs onto a 3-meter diving board, looks at the water below, and dives.

Physical activity is thought to possibly help lower the genetic propensity for developing Parkinson's disease. After having his DNA tested by 23andMe, an Internet genome-screening company run by his wife, Brin found that he has a genetic mutation linked to Parkinson's disease.

Brin's experience could be shared by other people, and awareness of genetic testing is rising, not only in wealthy countries, but also in developing economies such as China, said Zhou Huijun, chief executive officer of iDNA Inc, which began in Silicon Valley.

Zhou and her husband, both with Cornell University PhDs, were scanned and found to carry an uncommon gene that pushes them to be workaholics. "Our children inherit that gene. Usually, children with the gene are more likely to be obsessed with video games," Zhou said.

So she made up her mind to prevent her children from getting access to computer games and encourage them to get some exercise.

"Just like Brin, after genetic tests, our behavior has changed," Zhou said.

Genetic scans could also bring more benefits. For example, parents can educate children in accordance with their genetic capabilities: some children are born to run fast, others may have genetically ingrained musical talent.

The direct-to-consumer gene test can also help with matters such as likely reactions to drugs, diagnosing diseases and health guidance.

Since the Human Genome Project public consortium announced in 2000 that the human genetic blueprint had been charted, the genetic testing industry has rapidly developed.

In 2008, Time magazine selected the retail DNA test as the best invention of the year. Companies such as 23andMe, Navigencis, DNA Direct and deCODE have offered affordable direct-to-customer gene services.

Zhou Huijun established China's first online genetic testing platform, iDNA.com.cn, in 2008. Before that, she conducted post-doctoral research on clinical molecular genetics at Stanford University. She worked from 1998 to 2008 for Incyte and DNA Direct, the world's leading gene technology companies in revenue, then moved to China to start her own business.

She named the website iDNA because she wanted to offer people downloadable personal genetic reports. "Just the same as they download music and applications from Apple's iTunes," she said.

IDNA provides various genetic-testing possibilities. The most popular tests include those for lactose intolerance and pharmacological safety scans for newborns. The prices range from 300 yuan ($46) to 30,000 yuan for a test.Though a genome test revealed disturbing news for Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, he did not panic, and found a positive way to fight against it.

The procedure for genetic scanning is simple and painless. Customers log on to the website and buy the test online. iDNA then sends for a saliva sample by express delivery service. The sample is collected by running a cotton swab over the inside of the mouth. A personal report is made available online within 48 hours.

"In China, the genetic testing market is almost a brand new area where competitors are few," Zhou told China Daily. She estimates that less than 10,000 Chinese people have been genetically tested, compared with a population of more than 1.3 billion. There are fewer than 10 qualified genetic testing facilities in China, she added.

"The New York Times reported that in the next three to five years, more than half of Americans with a middle school education or above will buy genetic testing products," Zhou said. "I hope the same thing will happen in China, too."

The global market for genetic testing is forecast to reach $1.8 billion by 2015, according to a report issued by Global Industry Analysts Inc, a leading market research publisher.

The increasing awareness of the potential benefits of DNA analysis has been one of the prime reasons for the growth of genetic testing, as well as the burgeoning demand for molecular diagnostics.

Guo Fanli, a pharmaceutical industry analyst with Shenzhen-based CIConsulting, speculates that about 20 percent of Chinese people may learn about or undergo genetic testing in the next five to 10 years.

He said companies in that field usually have a high gross profit rate. "The Chinese market may hold five to 10 genetic enterprises that each will generate hundreds of millions of yuan annually when the market is mature."

Zhou's iDNA Inc has received more than 10 million yuan in venture capital from various investors and companies, including Bayer China President Liam Condon and Poalim Capital Markets Group, Israel's leading investment bank by assets.

The US-based personal genetics company 23andMe, co-founded by Anne Wojcicki, the wife of Google co-founder Sergey Brin, has raised nearly $54 million in funding to date.

However, the genetic testing market is not without challenges. Factors such as gene discrimination and the degree of reliability of the screening remain questions.

Chen Lu, a Beijing-based financial analyst, said the prospect of someone insisting on seeing a potential mate's DNA test before moving ahead in a relationship is frightening.

"I would be OK with sharing the test results with my future husband, and I don't mind whether he wants to share or not," she said. "Life is a gamble. Sometimes you have no choice, especially when you fall head-over-heels in love."