AFFX Affymetrix, Inc.

Affymetrix Technology to Be Used in Groundbreaking Studies of Neurological Disease GeneChip(R) Microarray Technology Enabling Perlegen Sciences to Study Alzheimer's Disease, Autism and Parkinson's Disease SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Affymetrix (NASDAQ:AFFX) GeneChip technology is now enabling three unprecedented studies of complex brain disease. Perlegen Sciences recently announced that they are using high density Affymetrix GeneChip microarrays for landmark studies of the genetic causes of Alzheimer's disease, autism, and Parkinson's disease. Understanding the genetics of complex disease requires huge amounts of information. Neurological diseases can be particularly challenging due to the difficulty in classifying phenotypes. Affymetrix photolithographic microarray technology provides the most genetic information, enabling scientists for the first time to cost-effectively analyze whole genomes with sufficient resolution to identify the genetic variations that could play a role in these diseases. Perlegen, which was formed in late 2000 as a spin-off from Affymetrix, is using Affymetrix microarrays to produce up to 20 million genotypes per day. Perlegen has developed the world's leading infrastructure for high throughput genotyping by combining this technology with its proprietary genetics, systems, and informatics expertise. Using Affymetrix technology, Perlegen routinely analyzes over 200,000 SNPs in individual samples and up to 1.5 million SNPs in pooled samples. Combining this high throughput platform with well-characterized DNA samples and scientific expertise from leading research institutions, such as the Mayo Clinic, offers a huge opportunity for progress in these significant human diseases. Funding for these important projects is provided by diverse public and private groups such as NIMH, NIA, Michael J. Fox Foundation, and AGRE. "We congratulate Perlegen on these studies," said Greg Yap, Affymetrix' Vice President, DNA Products. "We are enthusiastic that they continue to pioneer the advanced use of GeneChip microarray technology for high resolution whole genome SNP scans and genome-wide association studies. Perlegen is blazing a trail for others to build upon. Affymetrix' goal is to make whole genome analysis accessible to everyone." Perlegen Genotyping Services Available Through Affymetrix Access to Perlegen's high-throughput genotyping facility is now available through Affymetrix on a simple, fee-for-service basis. These services -- covering projects ranging from a few thousand to 50,000 SNPs, and up to thousands of samples -- are designed to conveniently meet the needs of researchers eager to identify genetic loci associated with inherited diseases. SNPs to be genotyped can be selected by customers from Perlegen's portfolio of over 1.5 million previously validated SNP assays, as well as from public sources. Affymetrix' global sales infrastructure provides before and after-sales support. Broad Portfolio of Affymetrix Genotyping Products Affymetrix is also translating its ongoing innovations in GeneChip technology into market-leading products for DNA analysis that can be used by scientists in their own labs. The GeneChip Mapping 100K Array Set is the first product for genotyping over 100,000 SNPs, enabling researchers for the first time to study the genes associated with complex disease and drug response in their own labs. The 100K is first in a family of products for genome-wide association studies and is being used by more than 30 customers today. Affymetrix' 10K and 100K SNP products feature a proven assay that has been used in more than 20 peer-reviewed publications to date. Affymetrix has also recently launched products for genotyping customer-selected SNP panels. MegAllele genotyping reagents, developed by ParAllele, are available through Affymetrix and offer a cost-effective solution for customers to genotype selected SNPs. 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 (including uncertainties relating to the outcome of the neurological studies discussed in this press release), manufacturing, product development, market acceptance, 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 CONTACT: Wes Conard, Associate Director, Public Relations, +1-408-731-5791, or +1-415-385-4455; or investors, Doug Farrell, Vice President, Investor Relations, +1-408-731-5285, both of Affymetrix Web site: http://www.affymetrix.com/

Copyright