<Company Press Release
SOURCE: Affymetrix, Inc.
Affymetrix Introduces GeneChip(R) Expression Arrays for Rat Genome and Rat Toxicology, and Complementary Arrays for Sample Verification
New Expression-Monitoring Products Enable Parallel Analysis of Over 24,000 Rat Genes and EST Sequences
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Aug. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Affymetrix, Inc. (Nasdaq: AFFX - news) announced today the introduction of a family of GeneChip® expression arrays representing rat -- an important model organism in biomedical research. The new rat arrays, including the Rat Genome U34 Set and the Rat Toxicology U34 Array, extend significantly the GeneChip product portfolio. The probe array products, along with advanced assay protocols, are designed to measure expression levels in thousands of rat genes and expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Affymetrix is introducing simultaneously the companion GeneChip Test2 Array for RNA sample quality verification.
The Rat Genome U34 Set, consisting of three high-density oligonucleotide arrays, enables the parallel analysis of greater than 7,000 full-length rat genes and 17,000 ESTs from a single sample. This new set of arrays will permit the largest available parallel analysis of sequences from one of the most important species used for pharmaceutical development and basic research. The Rat Toxicology U34 Array analyzes a more focused set of toxicology-specific genes and ESTs. The 850 sequences included on this array were selected with the help of molecular toxicologists from the pharmaceutical industry. The Rat Toxicology U34 Array is the first in a planned series of GeneChip probe arrays dedicated to specific areas of biological research.
''With the launch of the GeneChip Rat expression arrays, we continue to expand the number of species covered by our gene expression analysis product portfolio. GeneChip rat arrays are designed to be essential tools for the study of toxicology, neurobiology and other research programs that use the rat as a model organism,'' remarked Affymetrix vice president, marketing and strategic planning, Thane Kreiner, Ph.D.
The GeneChip Test2 Array provides verification of RNA sample quality prior to large-scale analysis. In addition to rat samples, the Test2 Array can verify the quality of RNA derived from human, mouse or yeast samples. ''The Test2 Array demonstrates Affymetrix' commitment to providing complete and validated product solutions for our customers,'' added Kreiner.
The new products join a GeneChip product portfolio that includes human, murine and yeast genome expression analysis arrays, custom expression analysis arrays, polymorphism discovery screening services and disease management products.
Affymetrix has developed and intends to establish its GeneChip® system as the platform of choice for acquiring, analyzing and managing complex genetic information in order to improve the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease. The Company's GeneChip system consists of disposable DNA probe arrays containing gene sequences on a chip, reagents for use with the probe arrays, a scanner and other instruments to process the probe arrays and software to analyze and manage genetic information. Additional information on Affymetrix and GeneChip technology can be found at affymetrix.com.
All statements in this press release that are not historical are forward-looking statements. 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, uncertainties relating to technological approaches, product development, manufacturing, and market acceptance, 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. These and other risk factors are discussed in Affymetrix' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999 and Form S-3 filed July 12, 1999. 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, GeneChip and the Affymetrix logo are registered trademarks used by Affymetrix, Inc.
SOURCE: Affymetrix, Inc.
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