Canada's Leading Cardiovascular Center Uses Affymetrix SNP Array 6.0 to Replicate Whole-genome Association Study Findings.

University of Ottawa Heart Institute researchers are screening 12,000 individuals to better identify and develop treatments for the causes of coronary artery disease 

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Affymetrix Inc. (Nasdaq:AFFX) announced today that the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) is using the Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0 for its whole-genome association study on coronary artery disease (CAD). Over the next three years, researchers at UOHI will use the array to screen the DNA of more than 12,000 individuals to not only confirm their previous findings, but also to identify new associations that provide scientists with a better understanding of how to identify and develop personalized treatments for the causes of CAD.

With the SNP Array 6.0, researchers are able to use a single, whole-genome panel to analyze larger, multiple sample sets for both the initial scan and replication phases of an association study, all at a much more affordable cost per sample. Traditionally, scientists performed initial genome scans using a high-density, whole-genome panel and then validated those results across a larger sample population with custom array technology that focused on a subset of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The integrated whole-genome panel approach increases the overall genetic power of these studies and further accelerates the gene discovery process by enabling different groups to combine their data from different populations and disorders with overlapping phenotypes.

"Significant research underway at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute will soon enable scientists to isolate, understand and target the trail of genetic activity that causes coronary artery disease, the leading killer in North America," said Robert Roberts, M.D., president and CEO of UOHI. "The Affymetrix SNP Array 6.0 is making these types of studies possible--today. We can now interrogate more samples at both the whole-genome level and the replication level, all at a more cost-effective price than with previous methods."

In May 2007, scientists at UOHI used Affymetrix microarray technology to identify a DNA sequence that is associated with increased susceptibility to heart disease, by as much as 40 percent, regardless of other established risks such as cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes. The team found that individuals carrying two copies of the genetic variant (about 25 percent of the population) had a 30 to 40 percent higher risk of heart disease and those carrying one copy (50 percent of Caucasians) have an increased risk of 15 to 20 percent. This discovery could identify people of high risk for heart disease and enable early preventive therapies. The results of this study were published in Science (2007: 316, 1488) and have since been confirmed in several independent Caucasian populations around the world.

"Dr. Roberts and his team at UOHI have made a number of groundbreaking discoveries that may soon lead to more effective, personalized treatments aimed at preventing heart disease," said Kevin King, president of Affymetrix. "With its industry-leading performance and low genotyping cost, the Affymetrix SNP Array 6.0 is helping researchers around the world uncover the genetic causes of many complex diseases."

The Affymetrix SNP Array 6.0 is a single microarray that simultaneously measures more than 1.8 million markers for genetic variation. The array enables researchers to perform the most powerful whole-genome association and copy number studies ever by genotyping more markers across 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. For more information about the SNP Array 6.0, please visit: http://www.affymetrix.com/genechip/snp6.affx.

About the University of Ottawa Heart Institute

The University of Ottawa Heart Institute is Canada's largest and foremost cardiovascular health center dedicated to understanding, treating and preventing heart disease. We deliver high-tech care with a personal touch, shape the way cardiovascular medicine is practiced, and revolutionize cardiac treatment and understanding. We build knowledge through research and translate discoveries into advanced care. We serve the local, national and international community, and are pioneering a new era in heart health. For more information, visit http://www.ottawaheart.ca.

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 1,600 systems have been shipped around the world and more than 10,600 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.

Forward-looking Statements

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 agreement with the University of Ottawa Heart Institute discussed in this press release, including the use of the results of the studies to be conducted pursuant to such agreement; risks of the company's ability to achieve and sustain higher levels of revenue, higher gross margins and reduced operating expenses; uncertainties relating to technological approaches, manufacturing and product development; personnel retention; uncertainties related to cost and pricing of Affymetrix products; dependence on collaborative partners; uncertainties relating to sole-source suppliers; risks associated with acquisitions; uncertainties relating to FDA and other regulatory approvals; competition; risks relating 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.