Affymetrix Sets New Standard in Genotyping With Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0.

Latest Microarray Measures More Than 1.8 Million Markers for Genetic Variation, Enabling Researchers to Perform the Most Powerful Whole-Genome Association Studies Ever

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Affymetrix Inc. (NASDAQ:AFFX) today announced the launch of its Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0, a single microarray that measures more than 1.8 million markers for genetic variation--close to three times the content of currently available competing products. The array enables researchers to perform the most powerful whole-genome association studies ever by genotyping more markers from more individuals at a lower cost per sample. These higher-powered studies increase the probability of discovering genes associated with adverse drug response or complex diseases, such as Alzheimer's, diabetes, heart disease and Parkinson's.

The Affymetrix SNP Array 6.0 contains more than 900,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and more than 946,000 non-polymorphic probes for the detection of copy number variation. Because it includes many of the common genetic variations that extend beyond the International HapMap Project, the SNP Array 6.0 enables researchers to better detect the genes associated with many different complex diseases affecting multiple ethnicities. Researchers can use the same array to test multiple study or disease hypotheses simultaneously, and the same meta analysis can be used across multiple cohorts.

Developed in collaboration with the Broad Institute of Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Affymetrix SNP Array 6.0 features a state-of-the-art array probe design and improved data analysis algorithms. The performance has been evaluated and validated by five different sites, including the Broad Institute.

"We first tested the SNP Array 6.0 on the 270 HapMap samples to check for concordance with independently generated genotypes and because we knew it would be important to analyze this data set for copy number variation in relation to the rest of the HapMap," said Stacey Gabriel, Ph.D., director of the Genetic Analysis Platform and National Center for Genotyping and Analysis at the Broad. "Our initial results are extremely encouraging, achieving an average call rate of more than 99 percent on a first pass and concordance with the HapMap of greater than 99.6 percent for the 906,600 SNPs on this array."

The National Genome Research Network (NGFN) in Germany will use the SNP Array 6.0 as part of one of the world's largest genetic research efforts. Scientists are currently using Affymetrix arrays to genotype more than 17,000 samples for studies designed to help diagnose and tailor treatments for individuals suffering from 25 complex diseases.

"The NGFN is conducting a large-scale project to better identify how similar diseases are linked through genetic variation related to multiple diseases," said Professor Stefan Schreiber of the University of Kiel, a lead investigator in the NGFN. "The new Affymetrix SNP Array 6.0 enables us to analyze more genetic variants across a larger number of samples, which increases the overall genetic power of our studies. The ability to analyze large sample cohorts such as these with cutting-edge technologies is crucial to understanding complex genetics. We expect that the increased SNP density will bring the studies to a new level of exploration depth."

"The new Affymetrix SNP Array 6.0 enables us to perform powerful association studies and decipher complex genetic disorders, driving a paradigm shift in medical research," said Dietrich Stephan, Ph.D., deputy director of the Translational Genomics Research Institute. "We've recently discovered connections between genes and complex diseases, like Alzheimer's, that we simply were not able to find in previous studies. It's a new age of genetic research, and tools like the SNP Array 6.0 are helping to unravel diseases that have heretofore mystified scientists. These discoveries will lead to new diagnostics and therapeutics for common human diseases."

"With the SNP Array 6.0, Affymetrix is setting a new standard for performance, quality and affordability in genotyping. The array features twice as much genetic content as its predecessor and close to three times the amount of currently available competing products," said Kevin King, president of life sciences business and executive vice president at Affymetrix. "We have leveraged our patented photolithographic manufacturing process and core competencies to make higher-quality, unbiased whole-genome association studies more powerful and affordable than ever before."

The Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0 is used in conjunction with Affymetrix Genotyping Console, a new software package designed to streamline whole-genome genetic analysis and quality control. Genotyping Console enables scientists to graphically display quality metrics across sample sets to quickly identify features of interest in their data. In addition, flexible data filtering, data management and visualization export features make it easy to share data with collaborators and downstream application software.

The SNP Array 6.0 is the most recent addition to Affymetrix' line of whole-genome genotyping products, including the SNP Array 5.0, as well as the 10K, 100K and 500K Arrays, which are all based on the proven Whole-genome Sampling Assay. This technology is being used by more than 200 laboratories and has generated data for more than 300 peer-reviewed scientific publications.

For more information on recent discoveries using Affymetrix genotyping products over the last month, please visit:

* A Common Variant in the FTO Gene Is Associated with Body Mass Index and Predisposes to Childhood and Adult Obesity: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/1141634v1

* Replication of Genome-Wide Association Signals in U.K. Samples Reveals Risk Loci for Type 2 Diabetes (40,000 sample study): http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/1142364v1

* Genome-Wide Association Analysis Identifies Loci for Type 2 Diabetes and Triglyceride Levels: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/1142358v1

* A Common Allele on Chromosome 9 Associated with Coronary Heart Disease: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/1142447v1

* Molecular Genetics of Nicotine Dependence and Abstinence: Whole-genome Association Using 520,000 SNPs: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2156/8/10

Affymetrix also offers a line of targeted genotyping products and services for SNP-based studies of a specific disease area or other focused applications, including immune and inflammation SNP kits, non-synonymous cSNP kits and bovine mapping SNP panels. Targeted genotyping of up to 25,000 SNPs is performed in a single assay using proven molecular inversion probe (MIP) technology in combination with Affymetrix universal tag arrays.

About Affymetrix

Affymetrix GeneChip([R]) microarray technology is the industry-standard tool for analyzing complex genetic information. After inventing microarray technology in the late 1980s, Affymetrix scientists have been dedicated to developing innovative products that provide researchers with a more complete view of the genome. These products continue to accelerate genetic research and enable scientists to develop diagnostics and tailor treatments for individual patients by identifying and measuring the genetic information associated with complex diseases.

Today, Affymetrix technology is used by the world's top pharmaceutical, diagnostic and biotechnology companies, as well as leading academic, government and not-for-profit research institutes. More than 1,500 systems have been shipped around the world and more than 8,500 peer-reviewed papers have been published using the technology.

Affymetrix is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., and has manufacturing facilities in Sacramento, Calif., and Singapore. The company has about 1,100 employees worldwide and maintains sales and distribution operations across Europe and Asia. For more information about Affymetrix, please visit the company's website at 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 and uncertainties associated with the success of the SNP 6.0 Array discussed in this press release; risks of the company's ability to achieve and sustain higher levels of revenue, higher gross margins and reduced operating expenses; uncertainties related to technological approaches, manufacturing and product development; personnel retention; uncertainties related to cost and pricing of Affymetrix products; dependence on collaborative partners; uncertainties related to sole-source suppliers; uncertainties related to FDA and other regulatory approvals; competition; risks related to intellectual property of others and the uncertainties of patent protection and litigation. These and other risk factors are discussed in Affymetrix' Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, 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([R]) are registered trademarks owned or used by Affymetrix Inc.