Affymetrix Launches Plasmodium/Anopheles genome GeneChipR Array for Malaria Study

  -- New product offers the entire expressed genome of both the mosquito host and the malaria parasite on a single array --

Santa Clara, Calif., Jan. 13, 2004 – Affymetrix, Inc. (NASDAQ: AFFX) today announced the launch of a Plasmodium/Anopheles Genome GeneChip^® Array, the first commercial array that can be used to simultaneously study the entire expressed genomes of both the host mosquito, Anopheles gambiae, and the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum.

The Plasmodium/Anopheles Genome GeneChip Array interrogates over 22,000 transcripts and empowers scientists to understand the molecular dynamics of the parasite-host relationship, potentially leading to new interventions for malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. The Plasmodium/Anopheles Genome GeneChip Array was developed in collaboration with the Malaria Research Institute at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

“This concomitant analysis of host-parasite gene expression will aid in our basic understanding of the complex relationship between the parasite and its insect vector,” said Dr. Alan Scott of Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, who collaborated with the Affymetrix team on the array design.

Through a program sponsored by NIAID/NIH, the new array will be available to qualified, registered users of the Malaria Research and Reference Reagent Resource Center (MR4) located at ATCC. The center was established in 1998 to provide quality malaria-related reagents, information and other critical resources to the international malaria research community. Announcements about the application procedure and number of arrays provided by MR4 will be sent to registered users and posted on MR4’s home page at http://www.malaria.mr4.org. The array will also be available for direct purchase from Affymetrix.

“The power of Affymetrix technology to package the entire expressed genomes of multiple organisms on a single array – host and pathogen in this case – affords scientists the unique ability to ask new biological questions,” said Lianne McLean, Affymetrix Director of Expression Marketing. “It also underscores the value of GeneChip arrays in situations that would otherwise require two separate designs on two separate arrays.”

The new array will enable researchers to study the molecular networks required for Plasmodium parasite development and reveal unique targets and approaches for chemotherapeutic and immunological intervention. The array will also help researchers better understand many Plasmodium genes which have no known function, possibly generating novel targets for intervention.

The Plasmodium/Anopheles GeneChip array will also help scientists understand the patterns of gene expression in the mosquito vector and identify unique pathways that can be exploited to break transmission of malaria. By revealing these pathways, the array may also help researchers understand the spread of other mosquito-born pathogens, such as the dengue and West Nile viruses, and lead to new methods of manipulating or controlling mosquito populations. 

About Affymetrix:

Affymetrix is a pioneer in creating breakthrough tools that are driving the genomic revolution. By applying the principles of semiconductor technology to the life sciences, Affymetrix develops and commercializes systems that enable scientists to improve the quality of life. The Company's customers include pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agrichemical, diagnostics and consumer products companies as well as academic, government and other non-profit research institutes. Affymetrix offers an expanding portfolio of integrated products and services, including its integrated GeneChip® platform, to address growing markets focused on understanding the relationship between genes and human health. Additional information on Affymetrix can be found at www.affymetrix.com.

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 of the Company's ability to achieve and sustain higher levels of revenue, higher gross margins, reduced operating expenses, uncertainties relating to technological approaches, manufacturing, product development, market acceptance (including uncertainties relating to product development and market acceptance of the Plasmodium/Anopheles genome GeneChip Array), 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, 2002 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.

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For further information, please contact:                                                                       

Sue Charles, CEO Northbank Communications, +44 (0)20 7886 8152, s.charles@northbankcommunications.com 

Wes Conard, Associate Director, Public Relations, +1 (0)408 731 5791