New
GeneChip array designed to identify SARS virus and detect mutations in
its genome
Santa
Clara, Calif., May 6, 2003 – Affymetrix, Inc., (NASDAQ: AFFX) today
announced it is taking orders for its new GeneChip®
brand CustomSeq™ SARS Pathogen Detection Resequencing
Array, designed to enable scientists to rapidly resequence different
isolates of the virus that causes SARS and better understand variations
associated with the spread of the virus and increased virulence.
The
new array resequences the entire 29,700 base pairs in the SARS virus and
was designed using sequence from public health centers in
Canada
, the
United States
and
Asia
. This product joins a growing list of pathogen arrays developed by
Affymetrix.
“SARS
has quickly become a major health concern, but by working together and
using state-of-the-art genomic technology, researchers have rapidly
learned a great deal about this disease,” said Greg Yap, Senior
Marketing Director, DNA Analysis, at Affymetrix. “We hope that by
getting this powerful CustomSeq array into the hands of scientists, we
can contribute to understanding SARS and the search for treatments.”
Researchers
are expected to use the CustomSeq SARS array in several ways. First, by
determining DNA sequence variation among SARS samples, scientists can
categorize different isolates of the virus into subtypes. Second, by
comparing patient outcome with the pathogen subtypes, scientists may
better understand which strains are most dangerous and discover key
factors in developing therapies. Third,
epidemiologists can use the CustomSeq SARS array to study how the virus
is evolving over time, during its spread into different geographies and
populations.
Investigating
pathogens and viruses is one of many CustomSeq array applications. Other
potential uses include SNP discovery, comparative sequencing of drug
targets and investigation of candidate gene regions. One CustomSeq array
can sequence about 30,000 bases of unique sequence quickly and with a
high degree of accuracy. Compared to capillary sequencing, CustomSeq
arrays make researchers faster and more effective by delivering
completed sequence with minimal assembly, alignment, and curation.
CustomSeq arrays also feature a simple assay protocol that makes
sample preparation more efficient.
For
more information about the SARS array, customers may contact their
Affymetrix Sales Representative, or point their browsers to www.affymetrix.com
.
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, market acceptance (including
market acceptance of the GeneChip SARS CustomSeq Array),
personnel retention, uncertainties relating to the length and severity
of the current global economic weakness, the reduction in overall
capital spending in the academic and biotechnology sectors, changes in
government funding policies, unpredictable fluctuations in quarterly
revenues, 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.
Affymetrix, the
Affymetrix logo and GeneChip are trademarks owned or used by Affymetrix,
Inc. CustomSeq is a trademark of Affymetrix, Inc.
Contacts
in the US:
Media
Contact:
Wes
Conard
Sr.
Manager, Corporate Communications
+1 408-731-5791
Investor
Contact:
Doug
Farrell
Vice
President of Investor Relations
+1 408-731-5285
Media
enquiries in Europe:
Sue
Charles/Katja Stout
Northbank
Communications
+44 (0)20 7321 3870
