Lobo Genetics

Lobo Genetics, established in 2018, operates as a healthcare technology company focused on personalized genetics within the cannabis and psychedelics markets. The company was co-founded by John Lem and Prakash Gowd. Lem, who serves as CEO, is a biotech entrepreneur with a background in life sciences, medical devices, and capital markets, having previously co-founded Spartan Bioscience, a company known for a portable DNA analyzer. His interest in the field was partly driven by personal negative reactions to cannabis, leading to research into the genetic markers associated with such experiences.

The core of Lobo Genetics' business is a direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing platform designed to provide individuals with insights into how their bodies may react to psychoactive compounds. For the cannabis market, the company provides DNA test kits that analyze specific genes, such as CYP2C9 and COMT, to predict how a person metabolizes THC and CBD and to assess potential risks, including memory impairment or psychosis. This information helps consumers make more informed decisions about cannabis use. The service was expanded to include a psychedelics genetic test, developed in partnership with HaluGen Life Sciences.

Lobo's business model involves selling these test kits directly to consumers online and through partners like pharmacies and cannabis retailers. Initially, the company deployed a portable, patented device called the Cube, licensed from Spartan Bioscience, which could deliver DNA test results in under an hour at retail locations or clinics. They also offer mail-in cheek swab kits, with samples processed at their facility in Mississauga, Ontario, and results delivered to the user's smartphone. Revenue is generated from the sale of these tests, and the platform also provides product recommendations based on the user's genetic profile. In July 2021, Entheon Biomedical acquired Lobo Genetics in a deal valued at $1.32 million, integrating Lobo's technology to enhance its own personalized psychedelics platform.

Keywords: Lobo Genetics, cannabis genetic testing, personalized medicine, pharmacogenetics, DNA test kit, John Lem, direct-to-consumer genetics, THC metabolism, CBD metabolism, Entheon Biomedical, Spartan Bioscience, psychedelics genetics, patient risk profiling, CYP2C9 gene, COMT gene, healthcare technology, cannabis safety, genetic insights, HaluGen Life Sciences, DNA analytics