AFFX Affymetrix, Inc.

Affymetrix Launches Updated E. coli and Yeast Whole Genome Arrays Arrays Contain the Most Comprehensive Genomic Information Currently Available on Commercial Yeast and E. coli Arrays SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Affymetrix, Inc., (NASDAQ:AFFX) today announced the availability of new versions of its GeneChip(R) E. coli and Yeast genome arrays. These arrays offer updated genomic content as well as three new strains of E. coli and one new species of yeast, expanding their utility for gene expression research. The GeneChip E. coli Genome 2.0 Array contains probe sets to detect more than 20,000 transcripts, or five times more content than the previous generation array, from multiple strains of E. coli, including the lab strain K12 and three pathogenic strains implicated in food borne illness. The array can also detect transcripts involved in antibiotic resistance. The GeneChip Yeast Genome 2.0 Array enables researchers to analyze the entire expressed genomes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as well as Schizosaccharomyces pombe, which have never been offered together on a commercial array. The new array contains over 10,000 transcripts, or nearly twice the content available on the previous generation array. Yeast is a commonly used model system for various cellular processes, such as DNA repair and cell division and also has industrial applications including brewing and fermentation. "S. pombe studies provide a valuable framework for understanding biological processes that are conserved amongst most eukaryotic organisms," said Paul Russell, Professor of Molecular Biology at the Scripps Research Institute. "The GeneChip Yeast Genome 2.0 Array will be a useful tool for viewing global gene expression changes and will allow us to collect a more complete picture of the stress response mechanism for this model organism." "These arrays are based on the most recent views of these genomes and they utilize our sophisticated probe selection method, leveraging our high-resolution platform for improved analysis," said Lianne McLean, Director, Gene Expression Marketing, Affymetrix. "The comprehensive nature of these designs will enable scientists to answer complex biological questions." The E. coli and Yeast Genome 2.0 Arrays are part of Affymetrix' latest generation system, which includes new instruments, reagents and higher density arrays. The increased data capacity provides five times more content on the newest generation arrays, putting high quality, affordable whole-genome analysis within the reach of individual researchers worldwide. Affymetrix' probe set strategy uses multiple data points to measure each transcript, and has been proven to provide an unparalleled level of data quality. Twenty-two different probes measure each individual transcript, providing optimal sensitivity and specificity, and the most accurate, reproducible and statistically significant results possible on any array platform. Affymetrix will update annotation information for the E. coli and yeast sequences on a quarterly basis through its online open access NetAffx(TM) Analysis Center. Affymetrix has become the gold standard technology for gene expression analysis, with over 2,700 papers in total published using GeneChip technology. 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 and market acceptance of the GeneChip E. coli Genome 2.0 Array and Yeast Genome 2.0 Array), 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: 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 Web site: http://www.affymetrix.com/

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