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Affymetrix Resequencing Array Classifies Previously Nontypeable
Meningitis Strains in Study by UK Health Protection Agency
Trial Results to Be Presented at Human Genome Meeting 2004 in Berlin, Germany
SANTA CLARA, Calif., April 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Affymetrix, Inc., today
announced that the United Kingdom's Health Protection Agency (HPA) will present
results at Human Genome Meeting 2004 (HGM2004) from its successful trial of an
Affymetrix resequencing array to classify different meningitis strains. The
array was developed in collaboration with the HPA and represents genomic
sequences which vary between different meningitis subtypes. In addition to
correctly classifying 45 samples that were previously identified by traditional
methods, the Affymetrix meningitis resequencing array was able to classify 12
previously untypable samples into existing meningitis categories.
Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) is the major cause of meningitis and
septicemia and can cause serious and sometimes fatal epidemic and endemic
disease. The HPA facility at Manchester is the central facility for meningitis
research in the UK and receives greater than 1,000 samples per year.
Traditionally, the HPA has classified meningitis byusing immunoassays to
identify serotypes in combination with capillary sequencing to identify
sub-serotypes. In addition to being more accurate than the traditional
serotyping methods for bacterial classification, GeneChip(R) CustomSeq(TM)
Resequencing Arrays provide faster results in just 24 hours.
"For comparative sequencing of large regions, capillary sequencing is simply
impractical," said Dr. Malcolm Guiver, of the Manchester Health Protection
Agency Laboratory. "Samples that typically took 4-5 days can now be analyzed in
one day using an array."
The meningitis resequencing array can be used to quickly identify new meningitis
strains, as well as for epidemiological studies and vaccine research. The HPA
will present the findings from its initial study today at HGM2004.
The meningitis resquencing array joins a growing list of pathogen arrays
developed using the CustomSeq(TM) Resequencing Array Program. Through this
program, researchers can design custom arrays to completely resequence entire
viral genomes, such as those of SARS or smallpox, or alternatively to
interrogate unique sequences from multiple pathogens on a single array. One
CustomSeq array can currently be used to quickly sequence about 30,000 bases of
double stranded DNA with a high degree of accuracy. Compared to capillary
methods, CustomSeq arrays make sequencing faster and more effective by
delivering completed sequence with minimal assembly and alignment. Investigating
pathogens is one of many CustomSeq array applications. Other potential uses
include SNP discovery, comparative sequencing of drug targets and investigation
of candidate gene regions.
For more information about CustomSeq resequencing arrays, customers may contact
their Affymetrix Sales Representative, or point their browsers to
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 andother 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 andhuman
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) CustomSeq(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 protectionand 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/