AFFX Affymetrix, Inc.

Affymetrix Launches New Custom Array Design Options The NimbleExpress(TM) Array Program Provides Rapid, Cost-Efficient Solution for Smaller Expression Studies SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Affymetrix, Inc. (NASDAQ:AFFX) today announced the launch of the NimbleExpress(TM) Array Program, an extension to its line of custom microarrays, to provide researchers with a flexible, cost-effective method of designing customized expression arrays for smaller scale studies or pilot experiments. (For an interactive version of this press release with additional information, please go to http://www.affymetrix.com/pr and click on the release title.) The NimbleExpress Array Program extends Affymetrix' current Custom Expression Array Program (CustomExpress(TM)) and broadens the company's range of custom solutions. NimbleExpress arrays offer the same level of performance and service as the existing Affymetrix CustomExpress offering, but require nominal upfront fees and have a minimum order size of just ten arrays. Affymetrix continues to offer the most comprehensive line of custom microarray expression products, with complete flexibility in terms of microarray content and order size. Affymetrix custom array programs enable customers to create microarrays with flexible format options to measure from 520 to 61,000 transcripts on a single array. NimbleExpress arrays use Affymetrix' proven strategy of multiple pairs of perfect match and mismatch oligos per transcript for the best balance of sensitivity and specificity. The new NimbleExpress arrays are useful to study expression of up to 12,000 transcripts (282,000 unique oligos) on a single array. Affymetrix will offer a four-week turnaround time for the NimbleExpress custom arrays, providing researchers with rapid delivery of cost-efficient, custom microarray tools for gene expression, genome tiling, and other experiments. "The NimbleExpress arrays are complementary to our existing catalog arrays and CustomExpress(TM) Program," said Lianne McLean, Director, Gene Expression Marketing, Affymetrix. "These arrays deliver on a smaller scale, the same high quality performance, service, and support that customers have come to expect from Affymetrix GeneChip(R) CustomExpress(TM) program. NimbleExpress arrays provide an easy way for scientists making their own arrays to cost-effectively pilot new design strategies with the full benefits of the GeneChip(R) System, including photolithographic manufacturing and our proven probe set strategy." NimbleExpress arrays will be manufactured by NimbleGen Systems Inc. for Affymetrix, using photolithographic Maskless Array Synthesis (MAS) technology. NimbleExpress Arrays are compatible with the latest generation GeneChip System, which includes new instruments, reagents, and high-performance analysis algorithms. All NimbleExpress microarrays are individually produced and quality tested, to ensure that they meet Affymetrix' high standards for quality and reproducibility. For more information about NimbleExpress arrays, please visit http://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 brand 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 (including uncertainties relating to product development, use and market acceptance of the GeneChip(R) CustomExpress(TM) Arrays and NimbleExpress(TM) Arrays), 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, 2003 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: Wes Conard, Associate Director, Public Relations, +1-408-731-5791, or investor contact, Doug Farrell, Vice President, Investor Relations, +1-408-731-5285, both of Affymetrix, Inc. Web site: http://www.affymetrix.com/

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