23andMe, a leading DNA testing company, has filed for bankruptcy protection, with its co-founder and CEO, Anne Wojcicki, stepping down immediately.

The company intends to sell itself under court supervision.

A statement from 23andMe emphasizes their continued operation during the sale process and affirms no changes to their data handling and security practices.

The California Attorney General has advised customers to delete their data from the site due to the company’s financial troubles.

Once highly valued at $6 billion, 23andMe’s saliva tests had high customer and investor appeal.

However, the company faced survival challenges recently.

In September, it settled a lawsuit regarding a 2023 data breach affecting nearly seven million customers’ privacy.

In October, the company laid off 40% of its workforce, cutting 200 jobs.

Joe Selsavage, the Chief Financial Officer, will act as the interim CEO following Wojcicki’s departure.

Wojcicki will remain on the board as a member.