Affymetrix Launches 18 New Microarrays for Gene Expression Analysis of Model and Applied Research Organisms

Affymetrix®, Inc. (NASDAQ: AFFX) today announced commercialization of 18 new array designs for whole-transcriptome analysis of model and applied research organisms that will allow scientists to obtain a more complete gene expression view than traditional 3’ biased arrays. The new Affymetrix^® Gene 1.1 ST Array Strips are created exclusively for the GeneAtlas^® System—the first personal bench-top microarray system in which four samples can be processed simultaneously. The GeneAtlas System and array strips offer an affordable solution that combines excellent performance and a simplified workflow with intuitive, easy-to-use software.

Affymetrix Gene 1.1 ST Array Strips (Photo: Business Wire)

The Gene 1.1 ST Arrays, developed with leading researchers to enable rapid advancement in genetic research, offer unique array designs based on the most recent genome builds and the highest probe coverage currently available. Probes are distributed across the full length of the gene, providing a more complete and accurate picture of overall gene expression-in contrast to other array providers using a single probe localized at the extreme 3’. Whole-transcriptome analysis enables researchers to detect multiple transcript isoforms from a given gene, including those that could be missed using a 3’-biased expression design, such as splice variants, non-polyadenylated transcripts, transcripts with alternative polyadenylation sites, and truncated transcripts.

"The new Zebrafish Array design is a significant update,” said Leonard Zon, Director of Stem Cell Research Program, and Yi Zhou, Genomic Core Director of the Stem Cell Research Program at Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School in Boston. "The gene content is based on most recent sequence collection from Zv9, VEGA, RefSeq, and ESTs. The latest probe selection and design algorithms were used to include all exons that represent entire transcripts and known splicing variants. The array design contains more than 52,000 transcript sequences-three times more than the previous design. This new array design has facilitated our gene expression studies on mutants and purified cell populations, and the sub microgram RNA input requirement allowed us to perform pathway analysis using a small number of cells or embryos. The comprehensive and updated coverage of the transcriptome will enable comparative studies of gene expression regulation networks between Zebrafish and mammals, including human and mouse.”

The importance of the model and applied research organisms continue to grow significantly today, fueled by the recent advances of next-generation sequencing and genome–wide association studies, and remains one of the fastest growing segments of life science research. With the introduction of 18 new arrays, Affymetrix offers researchers the most extensive menu of organisms available for whole-transcriptome analysis, which is critical for comparative genomic research, evolutionary biology studies, agricultural crop improvements, and deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying human disease.

"Until now scientists were prevented from accessing a whole-transcriptome view of their model organism due to the cost and complexity of microarrays,” said Kevin Cannon, Vice President of Gene Expression at Affymetrix. "The Affymetrix GeneAtlas platform is the first complete microarray system to combine affordability, ease of use, and rapid data analysis. The GeneAtlas System, coupled with these 18 new model organism arrays, provides scientists with a personalized system for sample control, the newest content for discovery and observation, and simple data analysis tools for faster publishing.”

The Affymetrix Gene 1.1 ST Array Strips are the latest additions to the expanding portfolio of Affymetrix gene expression microarrays offering whole-transcript coverage to meet the scientific challenges of today and the future. To learn more about these arrays and the GeneAtlas System go to http://www.affymetrix.com

About Affymetrix

Affymetrix technology is used by the world's top pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and biotechnology companies, as well as leading academic, government and nonprofit research institutes. More than 2,100 systems have been shipped around the world and more than 23,500 peer-reviewed papers have been published using the technology. Affymetrix is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., and has manufacturing facilities in Santa Clara, Cleveland, Ohio, and Singapore. The company has about 900 employees worldwide and maintains sales and distribution operations across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. For more information about Affymetrix, please visit http://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. These and other risk factors are discussed in Affymetrix' Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, and other SEC reports for subsequent quarterly periods.

NOTE: Affymetrix, and the Affymetrix logo, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Affymetrix, Inc.

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