AFFX Affymetrix, Inc.

New Pathogen Identification Microarray to Offer Most Comprehensive Single Test for Biodefense Affymetrix Developing DNA Microarray That Can Rapidly Identify Hundreds of Biological Threats SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today, Affymetrix, Inc., (NASDAQ:AFFX) announced that it will be developing a biodefense microarray test that can detect hundreds of top-priority bacterial and viral biological threats, such as anthrax and plague. The new test, funded by a $2.1 million dollar National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) grant, is expected to offer researchers the quickest, most comprehensive single test yet for biodefense. Today's testing methods have critical shortcomings that can delay identification of a pathogen for days or even weeks, slowing response time and putting lives at risk. Current DNA tests require a time consuming trial-and-error approach, testing for one pathogen at a time. Traditional test methods -- growing a culture of the bacteria and then identifying it by sight -- can overlook genetically engineered organisms. The new arrays -- which are expected to work in as little as four hours -- offer three advantages over old testing methods: -- The biodefense array will offer a comprehensive, single-step test to simultaneously identify genetic fingerprints for 26 different bacterial species, 10 viral species, and hundreds of their subspecies selected from the NIAID high-priority pathogen list. As a result, this array could take the place of dozens of existing tests. It could even detect an attack where multiple pathogens are used, something current methods may not detect. -- The biodefense array will detect DNA from a deadly pathogen that has been inserted into an apparently harmless bacteria -- something traditional pathogen identification methods could miss. For instance, if a section of plague DNA was inserted into common E. coli bacteria, traditional tests might only detect the E. coli, missing the newly engineered pathogen and allowing the threat to go unchecked. The microarray will test for 56 different toxic genes from bacteria. -- The biodefense array will detect whether or not genes that make organisms resistant to antibiotics have been inserted into a pathogen. If an antibiotic resistance gene goes undetected, doctors could end up treating patients with medication that simply wouldn't work. Using current methods, researchers have to test for every antibiotic resistance gene one at a time, a slow and cumbersome process. The microarray will simultaneously test for 62 different antibiotic resistance genes. This single comprehensive test is possible because of recent advances in Affymetrix GeneChip(R) microarray technology that enable researchers to analyze millions of different DNA strands on a chip the size of a thumbnail. While the most pressing need for this technology is in biodefense, the ultimate application will be in the doctor's office. Similar Affymetrix arrays could be used to identify hundreds of more common, naturally occurring pathogens, such as streptococcus or hepatitis, enabling doctors to determine quickly the type of illness a patient has. "This project is a glimpse of the future, not just of testing for diseases in the context of biodefense, but for human health in general," said Carsten Rosenow, Ph.D., Sr. Scientist, Genomic Collaborations at Affymetrix. "Instead of diagnosing a disease by using a hundred different tests, microarray technologies will allow us to perform all of those tests at the same time using a single tool. Quick, precise diagnosis by DNA analysis is going to help provide more precise treatments at lower costs, and reduce human suffering around the world." Researchers expect to have a prototype array in three months. A multi- pathogen array is expected to be commercially available within three years. The Affymetrix resequencing technology used in this array is identical to that used in the Affymetrix SARS and small pox virus arrays developed earlier this year. 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 (including uncertainties relating to the outcome of the development of the biodefense microarray test discussed in this press release), 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, 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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