Affymetrix Resequencing Array Classifies Previously Nontypeable Meningitis Strains in Study by UK Health Protection Agency
April 06 2004 - 3:30AM
PR Newswire (US)
Affymetrix Resequencing Array Classifies Previously Nontypeable
Meningitis Strains in Study by UK Health Protection Agency Trial
Results to Be Presented at Human Genome Meeting 2004 in Berlin,
Germany SANTA CLARA, Calif., April 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Affymetrix, Inc., today announced that the United Kingdom's Health
Protection Agency (HPA) will present results at Human Genome
Meeting 2004 (HGM2004) from its successful trial of an Affymetrix
resequencing array to classify different meningitis strains. The
array was developed in collaboration with the HPA and represents
genomic sequences which vary between different meningitis subtypes.
In addition to correctly classifying 45 samples that were
previously identified by traditional methods, the Affymetrix
meningitis resequencing array was able to classify 12 previously
untypable samples into existing meningitis categories. Neisseria
meningitidis (meningococcus) is the major cause of meningitis and
septicemia and can cause serious and sometimes fatal epidemic and
endemic disease. The HPA facility at Manchester is the central
facility for meningitis research in the UK and receives greater
than 1,000 samples per year. Traditionally, the HPA has classified
meningitis byusing immunoassays to identify serotypes in
combination with capillary sequencing to identify sub-serotypes. In
addition to being more accurate than the traditional serotyping
methods for bacterial classification, GeneChip(R) CustomSeq(TM)
Resequencing Arrays provide faster results in just 24 hours. "For
comparative sequencing of large regions, capillary sequencing is
simply impractical," said Dr. Malcolm Guiver, of the Manchester
Health Protection Agency Laboratory. "Samples that typically took
4-5 days can now be analyzed in one day using an array." The
meningitis resequencing array can be used to quickly identify new
meningitis strains, as well as for epidemiological studies and
vaccine research. The HPA will present the findings from its
initial study today at HGM2004. The meningitis resquencing array
joins a growing list of pathogen arrays developed using the
CustomSeq(TM) Resequencing Array Program. Through this program,
researchers can design custom arrays to completely resequence
entire viral genomes, such as those of SARS or smallpox, or
alternatively to interrogate unique sequences from multiple
pathogens on a single array. One CustomSeq array can currently be
used to quickly sequence about 30,000 bases of double stranded DNA
with a high degree of accuracy. Compared to capillary methods,
CustomSeq arrays make sequencing faster and more effective by
delivering completed sequence with minimal assembly and alignment.
Investigating pathogens is one of many CustomSeq array
applications. Other potential uses include SNP discovery,
comparative sequencing of drug targets and investigation of
candidate gene regions. For more information about CustomSeq
resequencing arrays, customers may contact their Affymetrix Sales
Representative, or point their browsers to
http://www.affymetrix.com/. About Affymetrix: 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 andother non-profit research institutes.
Affymetrix offers an expanding portfolio of integrated products and
services, including its integrated GeneChip brand platform, to
address growing markets focused on understanding the relationship
between genes andhuman health. Additional information on Affymetrix
can be found at http://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 of the
Company's ability to achieve and sustain higher levels of revenue,
higher gross margins, reduced operating expenses, uncertainties
relating to technological approaches, manufacturing, product
development, market acceptance (including uncertainties relating to
product development, use and market acceptance of the GeneChip(R)
CustomSeq(TM) Arrays), personnel retention, uncertainties related
to cost and pricing of Affymetrix products, dependence on
collaborative partners, uncertainties relating to sole source
suppliers, uncertainties relating to FDA and other regulatory
approvals, competition, risks relating to intellectual property of
others and the uncertainties of patent protectionand litigation.
These and other risk factors are discussed in Affymetrix' Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2003 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 are
registered trademarks owned or used by Affymetrix, Inc. DATASOURCE:
Affymetrix, Inc. CONTACT: media, Wes Conard, Associate Director,
Public Relations, +1-408-731-5791; or investors, Doug Farrell, Vice
President, Investor Relations, +1-408-731-5285, both of Affymetrix,
Inc. Web site: http://www.affymetrix.com/
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