Affymetrix Adds Mouse and Rat Arrays to Gene 1.0 ST System

Affymetrix Inc. (NASDAQ:AFFX) today announced the full commercial launch of the GeneChip® Mouse and Rat Gene 1.0 ST Arrays, the latest additions to the Gene 1.0 ST Array System. The arrays provide researchers with a more accurate and informative alternative for mouse and rat gene expression detection, all in a cost-effective and easy-to-use format. Similar to the recently launched Human Gene 1.0 ST Array, the Mouse and Rat Gene 1.0 ST Arrays use the Whole Transcript (WT) Sense Target Labeling Assay to deliver a more complete and accurate view of a gene’s total transcriptional activity, not just the 3’ end of a gene like traditional expression array designs. The Gene 1.0 ST Arrays complement the more comprehensive GeneChip® Exon 1.0 ST Arrays, which offer both gene-level expression profiling and alternative splicing analysis in a single experiment. "The new Mouse and Rat Gene 1.0 ST Arrays feature a particularly efficient design with better coverage of the core transcriptome,” said Robert W. Williams, Ph.D., lead developer of the GeneNetwork web site at the University of Tennessee. "I expect that these technical improvements when combined with lower cost will encourage researchers to implement more powerful and sophisticated experiments using a platform with strong bioinformatics support.” "We were the first lab in Israel to use the new Human Gene 1.0 ST Array and we have been very pleased with the results when we compared it to the data generated by the traditional 3’ arrays,” said Ninette Amariglio, Ph.D., head of Hematology and Cancer Research Center laboratories at the Sheba Medical Center in Israel. "The Affymetrix Whole Transcript Assay is clearly the right tool for future gene expression studies and we are looking forward to the addition of the Mouse and Rat Gene 1.0 ST Arrays.” The newest Gene 1.0 ST Arrays incorporate the latest available mouse and rat genome sequence information and feature a simplified design strategy, which provides one value from one probe set for each gene. Both the Mouse and Rat 1.0 ST Arrays contain more than 720,000 probes that interrogate more than 27,000 well-annotated genes. As part of the complete system solution, Affymetrix recommends using the Gene Arrays with a simple WT assay that is comparable in workflow to the existing 3’ assay. The Gene Arrays require only 100 ng of total RNA as starting material, making the assay accessible to more researchers and more samples. The Affymetrix Expression Console™ Software offers additional tools to further simplify the analysis workflow. "Affymetrix prides itself on its continued innovation and ability to provide customers with a growing portfolio of products that deliver a more accurate picture of gene activity for more than 30 different organisms,” said John E. Blume, Ph.D., senior vice president of product development at Affymetrix. "The Mouse and Rat Gene 1.0 ST Arrays combine a subset of the probes found on the more comprehensive Exon Arrays with the simplicity and affordability associated with traditional 3’ expression array designs, making them the ideal choice for both new microarray users and researchers looking to perform larger-scale gene expression studies with additional replicates.” For more information on the Affymetrix Mouse Gene 1.0 ST Array, please visit: http://www.affymetrix.com/genechip/genearraymouse.affx. For more information on the Affymetrix Rat Gene 1.0 ST Array, please visit: http://www.affymetrix.com/genechip/genearrayrat.affx. About Affymetrix Affymetrix GeneChip® microarray technology is the industry-standard tool for analyzing complex genetic information. After inventing microarray technology in the late 1980s, Affymetrix scientists have been dedicated to developing innovative products that provide researchers with a more complete view of the genome. These products continue to accelerate genetic research and enable scientists to develop diagnostics and tailor treatments for individual patients by identifying and measuring the genetic information associated with complex diseases. Today, Affymetrix technology is used by the world’s top pharmaceutical, diagnostic and biotechnology companies, as well as leading academic, government and not-for-profit research institutes. More than 1,600 systems have been shipped around the world and more than 9,500 peer-reviewed papers have been published using the technology. Affymetrix is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., and has manufacturing facilities in Sacramento, Calif., and Singapore. The company has about 1,100 employees worldwide and maintains sales and distribution operations across Europe and Asia. For more information about Affymetrix, please visit: www.affymetrix.com. Forward-looking Statements 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 and uncertainties associated with the success of the Affymetrix Mouse and Rat Gene 1.0 ST Array discussed in this press release; risks of the company’s ability to achieve and sustain higher levels of revenue, higher gross margins and reduced operating expenses; uncertainties relating to technological approaches, manufacturing and product development; 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, 2006, 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.