Affymax(R) Reports First Quarter 2008 Financial Results.

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- Affymax, Inc. (Nasdaq:AFFY) today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2008. The net loss for the first quarter of 2008 was $15.6 million compared to a net loss of $7.2 million for the first quarter of 2007.

Affymax recognized revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 of $16.7 million compared to $7.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2007. The increase in revenue was the result of increased collaboration revenue from its partnership with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, under their 2006 collaboration for development of Affymax's compound, Hematide[TM] and a one-time $1.4 million adjustment resulting from an amendment to the collaboration agreements.

Research and development expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, were $25.4 million compared to $11.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2007. The increase was primarily due to additional expenses related to Phase 3 clinical trials of Hematide in renal indications as well as increased personnel costs.

General and administrative expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 were $7.5 million compared to $5.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2007. The increase was primarily due to increased personnel costs as well as audit, legal and consulting fees.

The company's cash, investments and receivables from Takeda totaled $190.5 million as of March 31, 2008. Included in long-term investments are $26.8 million in auction rate securities which are still considered AAA rated investments but reflect an impairment charge of $1.3 million recorded in the first quarter of 2008.

"We are making strong progress in our Phase 3 clinical trials of Hematide to treat anemia in chronic renal failure patients," said Arlene M. Morris, president and chief executive officer of Affymax, Inc. "We continue to expect to complete enrollment by the end of 2008."

About Affymax, Inc.

Affymax, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company developing novel drugs to improve the treatment of serious and often life-threatening conditions. Affymax's product candidate, Hematide[TM], is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of anemia associated with chronic renal failure and in a Phase 1 clinical trial for the treatment of anemia in cancer patients. For additional information, please visit www.affymax.com.

This release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding financial condition, the success of the Company's collaboration with Takeda, timing, design and results of the Company's clinical trials and drug development program and the timing and likelihood of the commercialization of Hematide. The Company's actual results may differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties, including risks relating to the continued safety and efficacy of Hematide in clinical development, the timing of patient accrual in ongoing and planned clinical studies, regulatory requirements and approvals, research and development efforts, industry and competitive environment, intellectual property rights and disputes and other matters that are described in Affymax's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement in this press release.

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