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Genetic Association Information Network Selects Affymetrix SNP Array 6.0 for Latest Series of Studies

Posted on: Monday, 2 July 2007, 09:22 CDT

Affymetrix Inc. (Nasdaq:AFFX) today announced that the Genetic Association Information Network (GAIN) will use the recently launched Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0 for a series of studies designed to identify the genetic causes of common, complex diseases such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Launched in February 2006, GAIN is a unique public-private medical research partnership between the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Pfizer Global Research and Development.

Given the recent advances in Affymetrix microarray technology, whole-genome association studies are proving to be a highly effective approach for discovering genes associated with common diseases. GAIN researchers will use the Affymetrix technology to analyze 8,000 samples with a diverse range of ethnic origins. Because it includes many of the common genetic variations that extend beyond the International HapMap Project, the SNP Array 6.0 enables researchers to better detect the genes associated with many different complex diseases affecting multiple ethnicities.

"The GAIN partnership will help identify genetic factors that influence disease and speed the development of new methods to prevent, diagnose, treat and even cure common illnesses," said Charles Sanders, M.D., chairman of the board of the FNIH.

To help accelerate the development of new personalized tests and treatments, the information derived from GAIN will be made available to researchers around the world as part of the database of Genotype and Phenotype (dbGaP). The dbGaP was developed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) for the purpose of archiving and distributing the results of genetic studies.

The Affymetrix SNP Array 6.0 is a single microarray that simultaneously measures more than 1.8 million markers for genetic variation--close to three times the content of currently available competing products. The array enables researchers to perform the most powerful whole-genome association studies ever by genotyping more markers from more individuals at a lower cost per sample. These higher-powered studies increase the probability of discovering genes associated with adverse drug response or complex diseases such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

"The GAIN project is another significant example of how whole-genome association studies are accelerating genetic discovery and shaping the future of medicine," said Kevin King, president of life sciences business and executive vice president at Affymetrix. "Affymetrix created the market for whole-genome association products and we continue to set the standard for performance and price. GAIN's decision to use the new SNP Array 6.0 reaffirms our leadership position and commitment to providing our customers with the most advanced products on the market."

The SNP Array 6.0 is the most recent addition to Affymetrix' line of whole-genome genotyping products, which include the SNP Array 5.0 as well as the 10K, 100K and 500K Arrays, which are all based on the proven Whole-genome Sampling Assay. This same technology is being used by more than 200 laboratories and has generated data for more than 300 peer-reviewed scientific publications. For more information on the SNP Array 6.0, please visit: http://www.affymetrix.com/genechip/snp6.affx.

For more information on recent whole-genome association studies using Affymetrix technology, please visit:

Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium Completes World's Largest Whole-genome Association Project Using Affymetrix Technology: http://www.corporate-ir.net/ireye/ir_site.zhtml?ticker=AFFX&script=410 &layout=-6&item_id=1012959

Korea NIH to Use Affymetrix Technology for Groundbreaking Genome-wide Association Study: http://www.corporate-ir.net/ireye/ir_site.zhtml?ticker=AFFX&script=410 &layout=-6&item_id=1014264

Research Team Uses Affymetrix Technology to Identify New Alzheimer's Gene: http://www.corporate-ir.net/ireye/ir_site.zhtml?ticker=AFFX&script=410 &layout=-6&item_id=1012611

(Due to their length, the preceding URLs may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)

About the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health

The Foundation for the National Institutes of Health was established by the U.S. Congress to support the mission of the National Institutes of Health--improving health through scientific discovery. The foundation identifies and develops opportunities for innovative public-private partnerships involving industry, academia and the philanthropic community. A nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation, the foundation raises private-sector funds for a broad portfolio of unique programs that complement and enhance NIH priorities and activities. The foundation's Web address is http://www.fnih.org.

About the National Institutes of Health

"The Nation's Medical Research Agency" includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary Federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, please visit: http://www.nih.gov.

About the National Human Genome Research Institute

The National Human Genome Research Institute is one of the 27 Institutes and Centers that make up the National Institutes of Health. NHGRI led the NIH's portion of the Human Genome Project, which was completed in 2003, and the International Hapmap Project, which was completed in 2005. NHGRI now works to translate genetic knowledge into medical advances. Additional information about NHGRI can be found at http://genome.gov/.

About Affymetrix

Affymetrix GeneChip® microarray technology is the industry-standard tool for analyzing complex genetic information. After inventing microarray technology in the late 1980s, Affymetrix scientists have been dedicated to developing innovative products that provide researchers with a more complete view of the genome. These products continue to accelerate genetic research and enable scientists to develop diagnostics and tailor treatments for individual patients by identifying and measuring the genetic information associated with complex diseases.

Today, 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 1,500 systems have been shipped around the world and more than 8,500 peer-reviewed papers have been published using the technology.

Affymetrix is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., and has manufacturing facilities in Sacramento, Calif., and Singapore. The company has about 1,100 employees worldwide and maintains sales and distribution operations across Europe and Asia. For more information about Affymetrix, please visit the company's website at www.affymetrix.com.

Forward-looking Statements

All statements in this press release that are not historical are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act as amended, including statements regarding Affymetrix' "expectations,""beliefs,""hopes,""intentions,""strategies" or the like. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially for Affymetrix from those projected, including, but not limited to: risks and uncertainties associated with the agreement with the GAIN initiative discussed in this press release; risks of the company's ability to achieve and sustain higher levels of revenue, higher gross margins and reduced operating expenses; uncertainties relating to technological approaches, manufacturing and product development; personnel retention; uncertainties related to cost and pricing of Affymetrix products; dependence on collaborative partners; uncertainties relating to sole-source suppliers; uncertainties relating to FDA and other regulatory approvals; competition; risks relating to intellectual property of others and the uncertainties of patent protection and litigation. These and other risk factors are discussed in Affymetrix' Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, and other SEC reports, including its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for subsequent quarterly periods. Affymetrix expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Affymetrix' expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based.

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

Source: Business Wire

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