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Affymetrix Enters into Collaboration with Arcturus to Enable Gene Expression
Analysis on Paraffin-Embedded Tissues
SANTA CLARA, Calif. and MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Dec. 4
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Affymetrix, Inc. and Arcturus Bioscience Inc. today
announced that they have entered into a collaboration to develop new tools that
will enable researchers to conduct gene expression analysis on paraffin-embedded
clinical biopsy samples using Arcturus reagents and a new Affymetrix custom
human array.
Paradise(TM) reagents, developed by Arcturus can extract and amplify RNA from
paraffin-embedded tissues. These samples are suitable for use in gene expression
analysis when used with a new custom microarray, the GeneChip(R) Human Genome
X3P Array, which will be offered through the Affymetrix Made-to-Order Program to
any researcher interested in examining paraffin-embedded samples for gene
expression.
Hospitals have collected millions of clinical tissue samples over the past few
decades because they are required to store tumor samples from surgical
procedures in case need arises for further testing. The standard procedure for
preserving these samples involves immersing the tissue in formalin and embedding
it in paraffin wax. Until now, researchers thought that this formalin-fixed,
paraffin-embedded (FFPE) preservation process destroyed, modified, or degraded
the nucleic acids, specifically the DNA and RNA, in biopsy samples, precluding
gene expression analysis.
Patient outcomes are frequently known for people whose biopsy samples have been
archived and gene expression analysis of these samples could provide a wealth of
additional information. Analyzing these samples could help scientists determine
why patients did or did not respond to the treatments they were given and
provide greater understanding of which genes are involved in disease
mechanisms.
"The Affymetrix GeneChip X3P Array will offer researchers a new tool to study
approximately 44,000 of the best-characterized human gene transcripts in
paraffin-embedded biopsy samples," said Alan Dance, Sr. Vice President of
Applications Business Unit. "The X3P Array is specifically designed to detect
shorter RNAs, which are common in these types of samples."
"Arcturus' Laser Capture Microdissection instruments and our new Paradise
Reagent System for processing FFPE tissue samples provide researchers the
ability to perform whole genome expression analysis on biopsy samples," said
Thomas M. Baer, Ph.D., Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive of Arcturus.
"Coupling this technology with Affymetrix' industry-leading microarray
technology will offer a valuable tool to cancer and other clinical
researchers."
About Arcturus Bioscience, Inc.
Arcturus is the leading company in Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) and
reagent systems for the analysis of microscopic tissue samples, with systems
installed in leading cancer centers and other research and clinical laboratories
worldwide. These tools enable researchers to perform rapid cell-based analysis
of disease progression utilizing the smallest and purest samples possible to
date. The company has developed this unique technology platform for genetic
analysis of biopsy samples and has applied its platform to discover
cell-specific gene signatures associated with human diseases such as cancer.
Arcturus is a private company headquartered in Mountain View, California.
Additional information on Arcturus can be found at http://www.arctur.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(R) 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, personnel retention, uncertainties related to
cost and pricing of Affymetrix products, dependence on collaborative partners
(including uncertainties relating to the outcome of the Affymetrix collaboration
with Arcturus discussed in this press release), 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, 2002 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.; or Nancy Westcott, Chief Financial
Officer of Arcturus Bioscience Inc., +1-650-962-3020
Web site: http://www.arctur.com/
Web site: http://www.affymetrix.com/