Erasmus MC to Use Affymetrix Technology in Comprehensive Translational Medicine Initiative Large-Scale RNA and DNA Profiling Studies Set to Improve Patient Care for Wide Range of Diseases SANTA CLARA, Calif. and ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, July 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Affymetrix Inc. (NASDAQ:AFFX) announced today that Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam will be the first hospital to use Affymetrix microarrays in virtually every disease research area throughout the institution, from pediatric to geriatric studies, to infectious disease and cancer. The decision by the Erasmus MC board is a strong and comprehensive commitment from a world-renowned center of clinical excellence to improve healthcare by translating basic genetic and genomic research into clinical tools for better diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. (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) While there are numerous pilot projects around the world seeking to develop diagnostics based on RNA and DNA microarray profiles, the Erasmus MC projects are planned as the first to consistently and systematically use large patient populations. The large number of well-annotated clinical samples, standardized protocols, and ground-breaking bioinformatics infrastructure will allow Erasmus MC researchers to produce statistically relevant, well- documented results which can quickly be translated into diagnostics for patients. Additionally, such analyses are anticipated to lead to the discovery of new drug targets. "This far-reaching collaboration is designed to quickly integrate genomic research data with patient clinical data to bring solutions from the laboratory to the bedside as rapidly as possible," said Peter van der Spek, professor in Bioinformatics from Erasmus MC. "Our goal is to take translational medicine from theory to practice in order to improve patient care, provide more targeted treatment solutions and help reduce healthcare costs." The ability to appropriately diagnose and classify disease is essential towards improving patient care. In a recent study of 285 patients, Erasmus MC scientists used GeneChip arrays to subclassify different forms of acute myeloid leukemia, and they were able to identify a new poor-prognosis subclass of the disease based solely on gene expression. By identifying high-risk patients that would have otherwise been missed, physicians would know to offer more aggressive therapies, increasing the chance of treatment success. As part of the agreement, Erasmus MC, the largest Medical School and University Hospital in Holland with over 10,000 employees, will use early access Affymetrix technologies. These tools will provide scientists with added genomic information that may be translated into better patient care. Erasmus MC has already been an early access customer for DNA analysis products, like the recently launched Mapping 100K Set. The Mapping 100K is the first in a family of products that will allow Erasmus MC researchers to perform high-density genome scans and genome-wide association studies on the genetics of complex diseases such as leukemia and other cancers, cardiovascular disease, bone and joint diseases, neurological disorders, immune deficiencies and susceptibility, and host response to infectious disease. "This strategic agreement shows Affymetrix' commitment to collaborate with world-leading medical institutions to bridge the gap between clinical research and application of genomics in patient care," said James Clough, Vice President and General Manager, Europe, of Affymetrix. "By combining our technology expertise with Erasmus MC clinical expertise, we believe we can bring a significant contribution to the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of diseases." 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 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 the outcome of the translational medicine initiative discussed in this press release), 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. About Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam: The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of Erasmus University Rotterdam and the University Hospital Rotterdam joined forces to form the Erasmus MC, the largest centre of its kind in the Netherlands. Advanced medical care is provided in three clinical branches: the General Hospital, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, and Erasmus MC - Daniel den Hoed Oncology Center. Located in the heart of Rotterdam, Erasmus MC provides advanced medical care to 3 million people living in the south-western part of the Netherlands. The Erasmus MC has achieved excellence in many areas including cardiovascular diseases, oncology, pediatrics, clinical genetics, human reproduction, endocrinology, virology, immunology, hepatology and microsurgery. The research activities at Erasmus MC range from fundamental biomedical research, patient-related research and epidemiology to health care policy and management. Additional information on Erasmus MC can be found at http://www.erasmusmc.nl/ . 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 Investor, Doug Farrell, Vice President, Investor Relations, +1-408-731-5285, both of Affymetrix, Inc.; or Fred Balvert, Press officer of Erasmus MC, +31-10-408-8056 Web site: http://www.erasmusmc.nl/ Web site: http://www.affymetrix.com/

Copyright

Affymetrix (NASDAQ:AFFX)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jul 2024 to Aug 2024 Click Here for more Affymetrix Charts.
Affymetrix (NASDAQ:AFFX)
Historical Stock Chart
From Aug 2023 to Aug 2024 Click Here for more Affymetrix Charts.