news...
HUMAN GENOME SCIENCES AND
AFFYMETRIX ANNOUNCE AGREEMENT
to Develop Bacterial GeneChip(R) Probe Arrays
- Bacterial Genome Chips Will Aid in Discovery
Of New Antibiotics, Companies Say -
SANTA CLARA, Calif., and ROCKVILLE, Md., June 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Affymetrix, Inc. (Nasdaq: AFFX) and
Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: HGSI) announced today that they will collaborate in the development
of certain bacterial GeneChip(R) probe arrays. HGSI will contribute proprietary sequence information covering
selected bacterial genomes to the collaboration. Affymetrix will have the exclusive right to use this information,
based upon these bacterial sequences, to design, manufacture and sell proprietary array products developed
through the collaboration. Customers will include pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies and
other researchers who seek to discover and develop novel antibiotics. HGSI will receive royalties from sales of
the probe arrays developed under the collaboration. In addition, HGSI will have access to Affymetrix custom
and commercial GeneChip expression arrays.
HGSI is a pioneer in the sequencing of the genomes of pathogenic bacteria. HGSI is believed to be the first to
determine the genomes of several major pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus
faecalis, and working together with The Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR), Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Additionally, HGSI holds exclusive rights to bacterial genome sequences completed by TIGR prior to June
1997, that include the genome sequences of Haemophilus influenzae, Borrelia burgdorferi and others.
Affymetrix is a pioneer in the development of high-density probe arrays. Affymetrix has already demonstrated
feasibility of the microbial genome concept, as they have produced genome-based arrays that display the
complete set of genes of microorganisms widely used in laboratory studies, including Saccharomyces
cerevisiae (brewer's yeast).
William A. Haseltine, Ph.D., Chairman and CEO of HGSI, said, "I believe this collaboration draws upon the
unique strengths of both HGSI and Affymetrix. HGSI is a pioneer in gene discovery and Affymetrix is a pioneer
in the creation of high-density GeneChip probe arrays. These are complementary techniques that will provide
researchers with a powerful tool to speed the discovery of new antibiotics, solving an urgent medical need."
"Our collaboration plans will allow the two companies to share their respective intellectual property and
together commercialize products that neither company could develop alone," said Stephen P.A. Fodor, Ph.D.,
Affymetrix' President and Chief Executive Officer.
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.
Human Genome Sciences, Inc. is a company with the mission to develop products to predict, prevent, detect,
treat and cure disease based on its leadership in the discovery and understanding of human and microbial
genes. HGSI and Human Genome Sciences are registered trademarks of Human Genome Sciences, Inc.
Copies of HGSI press releases are available on the Company's web site, at hgsi.com, and by fax by
calling 800-758-5804, extension 121115.
Any statements released by Human Genome Sciences, Inc. that are forward-looking are made pursuant to the
safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Editors and investors are
cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which may affect the Company's
business prospects and performance. These include economic, competitive, governmental, technological and
other factors discussed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission on forms 10-K,
10-Q and 8-K.
SOURCE Human Genome Sciences, Inc.
-0- 06/04/98 /CONTACT: Gardiner F. H. Smith, Director, Business Development, 301-309-8504, or Kate de
Santis, Director, Corporate Communications, 301-309-8504, both of Human Genome Sciences; or Edward M.
Hurwitz, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, 408-731-5000, or Anne Bowdidge, Manager of Investor
Relations, 408-731-5925, both of Affymetrix/
/Company News On-Call: prnewswire.com or fax, 800-758-5804, ext. 121115/
/Web site: affymetrix.com
hgsi.com |
