AFFX Affymetrix, Inc.

PreAnalytiX and Affymetrix Collaborate to Improve Gene Expression Results from Whole Blood RNA Samples Collaboration will optimize PreAnalytiX PAXgene(TM) Blood RNA System for use with Affymetrix GeneChip(R) technology HOMBRECHTIKON, Switzerland, and SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PreAnalytiX GmbH, a joint venture between QIAGEN N.V. and BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) and Affymetrix Inc., announced today that they have entered into a collaboration to optimize the PreAnalytiX PAXgene(TM) Blood RNA System for use with Affymetrix GeneChip(R) technology to improve gene expression profile results on RNA extracted from whole blood. The goal of the collaboration will be to develop improved methods for the use of PreAnalytiX technology with GeneChip expression analysis arrays. Whole blood is one of the most common samples used in clinical research, however, expression profiling on whole blood samples presents considerable technical challenges. Different whole blood preparation methods and the high relative concentration of globin RNA found in red blood cells can lead to changes in expression profiles ex vivo. Globin RNA can mask the RNA found in the transcriptionally active cells of interest in the white blood cell fraction, including the lymphocytes and moncytes. Affymetrix and PreAnalytiX will work together under this non-exclusive agreement to reduce variability in the preparation processes and decrease the signal contributed by globin RNA. The PreAnalytiX PAXgene(TM) Blood RNA System has set a new standard for stabilizing whole blood cellular RNA profiles at the time of blood collection in an evacuated blood collection tube. This enables researchers and clinicians to perform more accurate analysis of gene expression profiles without the variations caused by sample collection, storage, transport or fractionation while relying on highly standardized and proven sample collection principles. "We are pleased that Affymetrix and PreAnalytiX are joining forces to pursue a new standard for microarray analyses from stabilized whole blood samples," said PreAnalytiX� Vice President Frank A. Augello. "We see a strong market trend towards the use of native sample material, like whole blood, that has the original information preserved to enable the accurate application of molecular test methods, such as gene expression profiling. By combining PreAnalytiX and Affymetrix technologies, our goal is to develop a complete, standardized process for expression profiling starting from whole blood samples." "Many of our industrial and academic customers are doing clinical research and early stage clinical trials using our whole genome GeneChip arrays such as the recently announced Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 Array," said Affymetrix' Chief Commercial Officer Trevor J. Nicholls, Ph.D. "Whole blood is the most readily available tissue for biomarker analysis. We expect that by collaborating with PreAnalytiX, which has the market-leading product for whole blood stabilization and preparation, we can develop and provide an improved solution for our customers that will maximize their ability to find gene signatures of biological relevance." About PreAnalytiX GmbH: The purpose of PreAnalytiX GmbH, a Swiss-based joint venture between BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) and QIAGEN N.V., is to develop, manufacture, and market integrated systems for the collection, stabilization, and purification of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) for molecular diagnostic testing. The first product from PreAnalytiX, the PAXgene(TM) Blood RNA System, was launched in April 2001, followed by additional products during 2002 and 2003.Additional information on PreAnalytiX can be found under http://www.preanalytix.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 http://www.affymetrix.com/. Certain of the statements contained in this news release may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. To the extent that any of the statements contained herein relating to QIAGEN's, BD's or PreAnalytiX' products and markets and operating results are forward-looking, such statements are based on current expectations of their respective managements, which expectations involve a number of uncertainties and risks. Such uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, risks associated with the challenges of integrating newly-acquired businesses and technologies into existing operations, management of growth and international operations (including the effects of currency fluctuations), variability of operating results, the commercial development of the DNA sequencing and genomics market, and the nucleic acid based molecular diagnostics market, competition, rapid or unexpected changes in technologies, product development risks, the ability to gain market acceptance of such products and fluctuations in demand for such products (including seasonal fluctuations), difficulties in successfully adapting such products to integrated solutions and producing such products, the ability to identify and develop new products and to differentiate such products from competitors, and uncertainties of government regulation. For further information with respect to QIAGEN, refer to the discussion in reports that QIAGEN has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Reference is also made to the other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in BD's filings with the SEC. QIAGEN, BD and PreAnalytiX do not intend to update any forward-looking statements. DATASOURCE: Affymetrix Inc.; QIAGEN N.V. CONTACT: Peer M. Schatz, Chief Financial Officer, +49-2103-29-11702, , or Dr. Solveigh Mahler, Manager, Investor Relations, +49-2103-29-11710, , both of QIAGEN N.V.; Frank Augello, Vice President of PreAnalytiX GmbH, +1-201-847-4356, ; Wes Conard, Senior Manager, Public Relations, +1-408-731-5791, , or Doug Farrell, Vice President for Investor Relations, +1-408-731-5285, , both of Affymetrix, Inc.

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