Affymetrix enters into gene expression collaboration with Arcturus.

Affymetrix, Inc. (Santa Clara, CA) and Arcturus Bioscience, Inc. (Mountain View, CA) have entered into a collaboration to develop new tools that will enable researchers to conduct gene expression analysis on paraffin-embedded clinical biopsy samples using Arcturus reagents and a new Affymetrix custom human array.

Paradise reagents, developed by Arcturus can extract and amplify RNA from paraffin-embedded tissues. These samples are suitable for use in gene expression analysis when used with a new custom microarray, the GeneChip Human Genome X3P Array, which will be offered through the Affymetrix Made- to-Order Program to any researcher interested in examining paraffin-embedded samples for gene expression.

Hospitals have collected millions of clinical tissue samples over the past few decades because they are required to store tumor samples from surgical procedures in case need arises for further testing. The standard procedure for preserving these samples involves immersing the tissue in formalin and embedding it in paraffin wax. Until now, researchers thought that this formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) preservation process destroyed, modified, or degraded the nucleic acids, specifically the DNA  and RNA, in biopsy samples, precluding gene expression analysis.

Patient outcomes are frequently known for people whose biopsy samples have been archived and gene expression analysis of these samples could provide a wealth of additional information. Analyzing these samples could help scientists determine why patients did or did not respond to the treatments they were given and provide greater understanding of which genes are involved in disease mechanisms.

"The Affymetrix GeneChip X3P Array will offer researchers a new tool to study approximately 44,000 of the best-characterized human gene transcripts in paraffin-embedded biopsy samples," said Alan Dance, Sr. Vice President of Applications Business Unit. "The X3P Array is specifically designed to detect shorter RNAs, which are common in these types of samples."

"Arcturus' Laser Capture Microdissection instruments and our new Paradise Reagent System for processing FFPE tissue samples provide researchers the ability to perform whole genome expression analysis on biopsy samples," said Thomas M. Baer, Ph.D., Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive of Arcturus. "Coupling this technology with Affymetrix' industry-leading microarray technology will offer a valuable tool to cancer and other clinical researchers."

Arcturus is the leading company in Laser Capture Microdissection and reagent systems for the analysis of microscopic tissue samples, with systems installed in leading cancer centers and other research and clinical laboratories worldwide. These tools enable researchers to perform rapid cell-based analysis of disease progression utilizing the smallest and purest samples possible to date. The company has developed this unique technology platform for genetic analysis of biopsy samples and has applied its platform to discover cell-specific gene signatures associated with human diseases such as cancer.

Affymetrix is a pioneer in creating breakthrough tools that are driving the genomic revolution. By applying the principles of semiconductor technology to the life sciences, Affymetrix develops and commercializes systems that enable scientists to improve the quality of life. The company's customers include pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agrichemical, diagnostics and consumer products companies as well as academic, government and other non-profit research institutes. Affymetrix offers an expanding portfolio of integrated products and services, including its integrated GeneChip platform, to address growing markets focused on understanding the relationship between genes and human health.

Affymetrix, Inc.
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www.affymetrix.com

Arcturus Bioscience Inc.
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www.arctur.com