Mygene

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MyGene Pty Ltd was a privately owned Australian biotechnology company based in Melbourne that operated an on-site genetic testing laboratory. It focused on nutrigenetics—the idea that a person’s genes influence how they respond to different nutrients—and aimed to help people personalize their diet and exercise for better health.

The company was founded in 2007 by Harry Banaharis and began by testing genetic markers that could relate to athletic performance. Its first consumer test, the Sports Performance Gene Test, looked at genes such as ACTN3, ACE I/D, and APOE4. In 2009, Nick Argyrou and his wife Helen joined the business, shifting its direction toward nutrigenetic products and services, including weight management solutions.

In 2010, David Koadlow acquired a controlling stake and helped drive a major expansion. MyGene launched the Weightloss Complete program, which combined a genetic test, a meal replacement formulation tailored to the results, and a 12-week diet plan. The program was offered through a network of participating pharmacies, with in-store counseling to guide customers according to their genetic results.

Scientific advice came from Dr. Les Sheffield, who joined the advisory board in 2011. MyGene’s testing then encompassed genes linked to glucose and lipid metabolism, with additional focus on gluten sensitivity, lactose intolerance, salt taste, appetite control, folate, and Vitamin D metabolism.

Despite the ambitious approach, the program faced strong skepticism about its clinical usefulness and the evidence behind its claims. Critics argued that there was insufficient research to support the test’s predictive value for diet and weight loss. The Weightloss Complete program was withdrawn from the market in 2012, and similar questions surrounded other nutrigenetic offerings.

On September 11, 2013, MyGene was placed into voluntary administration and subsequently wound up. At the time, the company had about 15 employees and operated with several subsidiaries, including Advanced DNA Laboratories Pty Ltd, Genetic Sciences Pty Ltd, and Genetic Investments Pty Ltd.

Note: This summary covers the MyGene Pty Ltd that operated from 2007 to 2013 and does not relate to the later MyGene Pty Ltd established in 2020.