Spotlights by Melissa Westphal 8/18
Interview with Tony Hsu
CEO, 3X4 Genetics
How does 3X4 Genetics differentiate itself from other genetic testing companies on the market?
3X4 Genetics stands apart through its commitment to clinical utility over data collection. While many genetic testing companies focus primarily on amassing genetic data, our founding principle has always been centered on driving meaningful health outcomes. We believe genetics should serve as a practical tool for clinicians and health professionals; not just as an information source, but as a pathway to more personalized, actionable, and effective interventions for patients or clients.
What’s one breakthrough in genetic science that you think people aren’t paying enough attention to?
One of the most underappreciated breakthroughs in genetics is the integration of multi-omics data bringing together genomics with other biological layers like epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. While genetics provides the foundational blueprint, these additional data layers offer critical insight into how genes are expressed, regulated, and translated into biological function. This systems-level approach is still emerging but holds immense potential for truly personalized medicine. It allows us to understand not just what a person's genes could do, but what they are actually doing in real time; especially in response to lifestyle, environment, and disease. Though less visible than high-profile innovations like CRISPR or AI, multi-omics is quietly reshaping our understanding of health and unlocking deeper, more actionable insights for prevention and treatment.
How does 3X4 Genetics support individuals not just in understanding their genetics, but actually applying that insight to daily behavior? / How does 3X4 Genetics help people go from “interesting results” to real health or performance changes?
At 3X4 Genetics, we bridge the gap between insight and action. We don't just provide a genetic report (through our expert practitioners or our recently launched health app for our consumers), we translate complex data into a clear, easy-to-understand format that empowers individuals and their healthcare practitioners. More importantly, we offer personalized, actionable recommendations across key areas like nutrition, exercise, and supplementation. Our approach is designed to help people make meaningful, sustainable changes in their daily lives; whether their goal is improving performance, managing a health condition, or simply optimizing overall well-being. By focusing on clinical relevance and real-world application, we ensure that genetics becomes a practical tool for transformation, not just information.
What trends are you seeing in how people are using genetic data to optimize performance and longevity?
One concerning trend is the oversimplification of genetic data, particularly when influencers or even professionals without a strong genetics background focus on a single SNP, like MTHFR and ACTN3, and attempt to build entire health or performance strategies around it. Genetics is incredibly complex, and we intuitively understand that meaningful outcomes; especially related to performance and longevity are rarely driven by just one factor. That’s why a systems biology approach is so important. It looks at the broader network of genetic interactions and how they relate to physiology, lifestyle, and environment. On the positive side, there’s growing awareness of the value genetics brings when used responsibly. More people are seeking out comprehensive, science-based insights to build truly personalized health and fitness plans, which is a promising shift in the right direction.
How do you see the role of genetics evolving in mainstream health and wellness over the next decade?
In the next decade, genetics will become deeply embedded in everyday health and wellness decisions. What was once confined to clinics and research labs is now moving into the hands of consumers, and that trend will only accelerate. We’ll see genetic insights guiding everything from nutrition and fitness plans to how people manage stress, sleep, and even skincare. As testing becomes even more affordable and accessible, consumers will expect personalized solutions tailored to their unique biology. The recent move by the U.K. to implement genetic screening for all newborns signals a broader global shift—especially among G20 countries—toward using genetics as a proactive tool in fighting chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity. For consumers, this means genetics will no longer be a curiosity; it will be a trusted foundation for making smarter, more informed health choices.
