AFFX Affymetrix, Inc.

Affymetrix Launches Most Comprehensive Array Offering for Microbiology Research 179 New Prokaryotic Designs Provide Rapid, Cost-Efficient Solution for Microbial Whole-Genome Expression Studies SANTA CLARA, Calif., Nov. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Affymetrix, Inc. (NASDAQ:AFFX) today announced the launch of 179 NimbleExpress(TM) prokaryotic array designs, providing researchers with the most comprehensive catalog offering of microarray expression products for basic microbiology and infectious disease. These arrays offer scientists an affordable tool to conduct whole-genome expression studies on a wide range of pathogenic organisms, including Bacillus anthracis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Affymetrix microarrays have been used in many phases of microbial research, from studying costly agricultural pathogens to studying life-threatening human diseases. In infectious disease research alone, GeneChip(R) arrays have been used in nearly 200 scientific publications to understand the relationships between hosts and pathogens and to discover new vaccines and treatments that can be used to combat disease. "With this new line of NimbleExpress arrays, individual researchers can use industry-standard Affymetrix technology to conduct a broader range of microbial expression studies more effectively and cost-efficiently than ever before," said Lianne McLean, Director, Gene Expression Marketing, Affymetrix. "Instead of spending their time designing and manufacturing arrays, scientists can begin experiments immediately, often allowing them to more quickly understand disease and improve health." These new prokaryotic designs are part of an expanded NimbleExpress Array Program that recently launched to provide Affymetrix customers with a flexible, cost-effective method of designing customized expression arrays (up to 12,000 transcripts) for smaller scale studies or pilot experiments. NimbleExpress arrays are manufactured by NimbleGen Systems Inc. for Affymetrix using a photolithographic Maskless Array Synthesis (MAS) technology. The two companies have collaborated on the design of the arrays which feature Affymetrix' proven strategy of multiple pairs of perfect match and mismatch oligos per transcript for the best balance of sensitivity and specificity. 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) 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: 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, Inc. Web site: http://www.affymetrix.com/

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