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Signature Genomic Laboratories, LLC(R) and Affymetrix, Inc. Sign License Agreement

Posted on: Tuesday, 14 February 2006, 15:01 CST

Signature Genomic Laboratories, LLC(R) today announced that it has entered into a license agreement with Affymetrix, Inc. (NASDAQ:AFFX). The non-exclusive, worldwide license is for a number of Affymetrix patents related to the use of microarrays for comparative genomic hybridization analysis. The license will be applied to Signature Genomics' SignatureChip(R) microarray-based diagnostics for cytogenetic abnormalities. Details of the license were not disclosed.

Increasingly, physicians are ordering the SignatureChip microarray diagnostics instead of routine chromosome analysis for their patients. Signature Genomics has demonstrated the effectiveness of array-based cytogenetics using its proprietary SignatureChip to identify chromosome abnormalities in infants and children with birth defects, developmental delay, or mental retardation. Cytogenetic analysis has historically been an important tool for uncovering chromosomal imbalance. However, the resolution through the light microscope limits the ability to identify small alterations of the chromosomes. This limitation is overcome by using a microarray-based approach. The SignatureChip contains 140 regions of the genome known to cause genetic syndromes, birth defects or mental retardation if present in an unbalanced state. Furthermore, the SignatureChip contains 164 additional regions of the genome as a set of controls to provide increased coverage of the genome and clinical confidence in the results.

"The license from Affymetrix, Inc. provides us with the ability to increase the genomic coverage of our microarray, allowing us to continue to offer the most comprehensive clinical diagnostic microarray on the market," said Lisa G. Shaffer, PhD, FACMG, acting CEO and Laboratory Director of Signature Genomics. "Microarray-based diagnostics are the future of clinical testing, and utilizing this technology for chromosome analysis is no exception," said Bassem A. Bejjani, MD, FACMG, Medical Director of Signature Genomics. "With 1 in 800 persons affected with a chromosome disorder, Signature Genomics developed this new technology to provide faster, more reliable and comprehensive results to enhance the clinical care to patients," he added.

About Affymetrix

Affymetrix scientists invented the world's first high-density microarray in 1989 and began selling the first commercial microarray in 1994. Since then, Affymetrix GeneChip(R) technology has become the industry standard in molecular biology research. Affymetrix technology is used by the world's top pharmaceutical, diagnostic and biotechnology companies as well as leading academic, government and not-for-profit research institutes. More than 1,300 systems have been installed around the world and nearly 4,000 peer-reviewed papers have been published using the technology. Affymetrix' patented photolithographic manufacturing process provides the most information capacity available today on an array, enabling researchers to use a whole-genome approach to analyzing the relationship between genetics and health. Affymetrix is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif. with subsidiaries in Europe and Asia, as well as manufacturing facilities in Sacramento, Calif. and Bedford, Mass. The company has about 1,000 employees worldwide. For more information about Affymetrix, please visit the company's website at www.Affymetrix.com.

About Signature Genomic Laboratories, LLC(R)

Signature Genomics, founded in 2003, is a private company owned by Sacred Heart Medical Center, Pathology Associates Medical Laboratories, and its founders, Lisa G. Shaffer, PhD and Bassem A. Bejjani, MD. Located in Spokane, Washington, Signature operates a state-of-the art molecular cytogenetic diagnostic laboratory whose mission is to provide outstanding genetic services using the latest diagnostic technologies. Signature Genomics was the first laboratory to provide microarray-based cytogenetic diagnostics with its proprietary SignatureChip(R) and continues to be the leader in providing microarray-based chromosome analysis. Signature Genomics' worldwide client base includes clinical geneticists, neurologists, pediatricians, neonatologists, obstetricians, and the research community. Signature Genomics is CAP accredited, CLIA certified, and licensed in the state of Washington. Additional information about Signature is available at www.signaturegenomics.com.

NOTE: Affymetrix, the Affymetrix logo, and GeneChip are registered trademarks owned or used by Affymetrix Inc.

Source: Business Wire

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