Affymetrix Intros New Axiom Array - Analyst Blog

Genetic products maker Affymetrix Inc (AFFX) has broadened its Axiom Genotyping Solution (a high-throughput genotyping platform) with the launch of the Axiom Genome-Wide CHB 1 Array. It is the first commercial product designed to maximize genetic coverage of common alleles (an allele is one of a pair or series of genes) in the Han Chinese population.

The Genome-Wide CHB 1 Array will offer researchers a powerful and cost-effective tool for studying disease and characterizing the genetic basis of the disease in the Han Chinese population. The Han Chinese are an ethnic group representing roughly 92% of the overall Chinese population.

Genome-Wide CHB 1 represents the company’s third population-designed array for the Axiom Genotyping Solution platform. It has the highest coverage of variants in important biological categories compared with other arrays with a similar number of markers.

Affymetrix’s Axiom array platform (launched in October 2009) has been a key driver for its DNA business, representing roughly 40% of total volumes in fourth-quarter fiscal 2010, boosted by healthy customer demand. Affymetrix expanded its Axiom platform last year with the launch of the Axiom Custom Genotyping Arrays, enabling it to address the latest trends in genetic research.

The automated Axiom platform supports Genome-Wide Association Studies (a study of genetic variation) and customized arrays. The Axiom includes microarray plates, reagent kits and data analysis tools and leverages the GeneTitan system, Affymetrix’s next-generation microarray platform.

California-based Affymetrix is a leading provider of microarray-based products and services to the global research community. Along with Illumina Inc. (ILMN), it is one of the two major providers of microarray technologies primarily used in the field of genetic research. Microarrays have emerged as an important research tool as they can be used to examine hundreds of thousands of genes simultaneously.

Affymetrix has expertise in gene expression monitoring arrays, which are used to identify correlations between genes, determine their biological functions, and identify patterns that enable more accurate disease classification. The company is expanding its customer base through new product introductions and strategic alliances.

Affymetrix continues to enjoy steady end-user demand for its arrays as evidenced by sustained volume growth over the past few quarters. However, the company remains challenged by a soft operating backdrop in Europe and competitive product offerings that leverage advanced technologies.

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