Affymetrix Enters into Collaboration with Arcturus to Enable Gene Expression Analysis on Paraffin-Embedded Tissues
December 04 2003 - 9:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
Affymetrix Enters into Collaboration with Arcturus to Enable Gene
Expression Analysis on Paraffin-Embedded Tissues SANTA CLARA,
Calif. and MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Dec. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Affymetrix, Inc. and Arcturus Bioscience Inc. today announced that
they have entered into a collaboration to develop new tools that
will enable researchers to conduct gene expression analysis on
paraffin-embedded clinical biopsy samples using Arcturus reagents
and a new Affymetrix custom human array. Paradise(TM) reagents,
developed by Arcturus can extract and amplify RNA from
paraffin-embedded tissues. These samples are suitable for use in
gene expression analysis when used with a new custom microarray,
the GeneChip(R) Human Genome X3P Array, which will be offered
through the Affymetrix Made-to-Order Program to any researcher
interested in examining paraffin-embedded samples for gene
expression. Hospitals have collected millions of clinical tissue
samples over the past few decades because they are required to
store tumor samples from surgical procedures in case need arises
for further testing. The standard procedure for preserving these
samples involves immersing the tissue in formalin and embedding it
in paraffin wax. Until now, researchers thought that this
formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) preservation process
destroyed, modified, or degraded the nucleic acids, specifically
the DNA and RNA, in biopsy samples, precluding gene expression
analysis. Patient outcomes are frequently known for people whose
biopsy samples have been archived and gene expression analysis of
these samples could provide a wealth of additional information.
Analyzing these samples could help scientists determine why
patients did or did not respond to the treatments they were given
and provide greater understanding of which genes are involved in
disease mechanisms. "The Affymetrix GeneChip X3P Array will offer
researchers a new tool to study approximately 44,000 of the
best-characterized human gene transcripts in paraffin-embedded
biopsy samples," said Alan Dance, Sr. Vice President of
Applications Business Unit. "The X3P Array is specifically designed
to detect shorter RNAs, which are common in these types of
samples." "Arcturus' Laser Capture Microdissection instruments and
our new Paradise Reagent System for processing FFPE tissue samples
provide researchers the ability to perform whole genome expression
analysis on biopsy samples," said Thomas M. Baer, Ph.D., Founder,
Chairman and Chief Executive of Arcturus. "Coupling this technology
with Affymetrix' industry-leading microarray technology will offer
a valuable tool to cancer and other clinical researchers." About
Arcturus Bioscience, Inc. Arcturus is the leading company in Laser
Capture Microdissection (LCM) and reagent systems for the analysis
of microscopic tissue samples, with systems installed in leading
cancer centers and other research and clinical laboratories
worldwide. These tools enable researchers to perform rapid
cell-based analysis of disease progression utilizing the smallest
and purest samples possible to date. The company has developed this
unique technology platform for genetic analysis of biopsy samples
and has applied its platform to discover cell-specific gene
signatures associated with human diseases such as cancer. Arcturus
is a private company headquartered in Mountain View, California.
Additional information on Arcturus can be found at
http://www.arctur.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(R) 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/. 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, personnel retention, uncertainties related to
cost and pricing of Affymetrix products, dependence on
collaborative partners (including uncertainties relating to the
outcome of the Affymetrix collaboration with Arcturus discussed in
this press release), 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. DATASOURCE:
Affymetrix, Inc. CONTACT: media, Wes Conard, Associate Director,
Public Relations, +1- 408-731-5791, or investors, Doug Farrell,
Vice President, Investor Relations, +1-408-731-5285, both of
Affymetrix, Inc.; or Nancy Westcott, Chief Financial Officer of
Arcturus Bioscience Inc., +1-650-962-3020 Web site:
http://www.arctur.com/ Web site: http://www.affymetrix.com/
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