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Biotech / Medical : AFFYMETRIX (AFFX) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Michael McVey Lusk who wrote (645)	3/25/1998 10:33:00 PM
From: Michael McVey Lusk	Respond to of 1728

AFFX $ ONM enter gene expression DB biz SANTA CLARA, Calif. and GAITHERSBURG, Md., March 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Affymetrix, Inc. (Nasdaq: AFFX), and Oncormed, Inc. (Amex: ONM), today announced that they will co-develop a gene expression database as a tool to enable the use of gene expression data in drug development by third party subscribers. The new agreement further leverages Oncormed's strengths in gene characterization and pharmacogenomics with Affymetrix' GeneChip(R) expression analysis tools. The latest collaboration is the third in a series of agreements between the companies, representing a relationship that began with the development and validation of a GeneChip assay for identifying mutations in the p53 gene. Under the new agreement, Oncormed and Affymetrix will work together to build a high resolution gene expression database. The initial phase of the collaboration will focus on profiling selected genes against tissues from more than a dozen normal and diseased organ systems believed to be highly relevant to the drug development process. Affymetrix will design and supply custom and standard expression monitoring GeneChip probe arrays and related technology to facilitate the analysis of tissue samples. Oncormed will contribute tissue samples and apply its expertise in tissue pathology and molecular genetics to generate high resolution gene expression data using GeneChip technology. Together, the two companies will build the gene expression database. Affymetrix will be responsible for marketing the database, with net revenues from subscriptions to be shared equally between the parties. Other financial details of the agreement were not disclosed. In addition to the database collaboration, Affymetrix has agreed that Oncormed may provide GeneChip expression analysis services to third party customers. The service option offers an expanded avenue to information generated using GeneChip probe arrays for customers without the expertise or resources to purchase and operate GeneChip technology. Under the service agreement, Oncormed will purchase GeneChip probe arrays from Affymetrix and will market expression analysis services and custom databases independently to pharmaceutical companies and other customers. "Affymetrix' GeneChip probe array technology is an important enabling tool in genomic-based drug discovery and development about which we are very enthusiastic," said Timothy J. Triche, M.D., Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Oncormed. "Our expanded collaboration will provide a great value to both companies, and even more importantly, to our respective customers." "We are delighted to broaden our collaboration with Oncormed, a company with a proven ability to translate genetic breakthroughs into clinically-useful products and services," stated Stephen P.A. Fodor, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Affymetrix. "We believe that Oncormed's access to well characterized tissues and clinical genomics expertise combined with Affymetrix' GeneChip technology platform will enable us to build a large and high quality gene expression database." The original collaboration between Oncormed and Affymetrix was initiated 18 months ago and resulted in the development and validation of a p53 GeneChip system. Last August, Affymetrix began selling the p53 GeneChip system for research use only. Oncormed will soon introduce a GeneChip-based p53 testing service in its CLIA-certified laboratory for pharmacogenomic purposes and cancer patient management. In October 1997, the companies broadened the scope of their original collaboration to include the development of a GeneChip assay for BRCA1 and BRCA2 genotyping as well as a project to help establish the utility of GeneChip expression arrays as a cancer disease management tool. Oncormed ( oncormed.com ) is a genomics services company that characterizes genes to establish their clinical relevancy and provides molecular profiling of patients for pharmacogenomic and therapeutic purposes. The Company's mission is to accelerate the translation of cancer-related genetic discoveries into clinically-useful products and services through strategic collaborations with pharmaceutical, genomic and biotechnology companies. 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. This news release contains statements of a forward-looking nature etc. & etc.

To: Michael McVey Lusk who wrote (645)	3/25/1998 10:48:00 PM
From: Michael McVey Lusk	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 1728

It's clear now - AFFX is getting into the gene expression database business. We see INCY and AFFX slowly wheeling into position against each other - each are entering the other's traditional business. But there are important differences. INCY is apparently trying to keep everything in-house. AFFX is trying to be more like a hub in a wheel, the spokes being relationships with companies with particuliar areas of gene expression expertise. I think I like AFFX's approach better. - MML