Erasmus MC to Use Affymetrix Technology in Comprehensive Translational Medicine Initiative
July 27 2004 - 5:00PM
PR Newswire (US)
Erasmus MC to Use Affymetrix Technology in Comprehensive
Translational Medicine Initiative Large-Scale RNA and DNA Profiling
Studies Set to Improve Patient Care for Wide Range of Diseases
SANTA CLARA, Calif. and ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, July 27
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Affymetrix Inc. (NASDAQ:AFFX) announced
today that Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam will be the
first hospital to use Affymetrix microarrays in virtually every
disease research area throughout the institution, from pediatric to
geriatric studies, to infectious disease and cancer. The decision
by the Erasmus MC board is a strong and comprehensive commitment
from a world-renowned center of clinical excellence to improve
healthcare by translating basic genetic and genomic research into
clinical tools for better diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. (For
an interactive version of this press release with additional
information, please go to http://www.affymetrix.com/pr and click on
the release title) While there are numerous pilot projects around
the world seeking to develop diagnostics based on RNA and DNA
microarray profiles, the Erasmus MC projects are planned as the
first to consistently and systematically use large patient
populations. The large number of well-annotated clinical samples,
standardized protocols, and ground-breaking bioinformatics
infrastructure will allow Erasmus MC researchers to produce
statistically relevant, well- documented results which can quickly
be translated into diagnostics for patients. Additionally, such
analyses are anticipated to lead to the discovery of new drug
targets. "This far-reaching collaboration is designed to quickly
integrate genomic research data with patient clinical data to bring
solutions from the laboratory to the bedside as rapidly as
possible," said Peter van der Spek, professor in Bioinformatics
from Erasmus MC. "Our goal is to take translational medicine from
theory to practice in order to improve patient care, provide more
targeted treatment solutions and help reduce healthcare costs." The
ability to appropriately diagnose and classify disease is essential
towards improving patient care. In a recent study of 285 patients,
Erasmus MC scientists used GeneChip arrays to subclassify different
forms of acute myeloid leukemia, and they were able to identify a
new poor-prognosis subclass of the disease based solely on gene
expression. By identifying high-risk patients that would have
otherwise been missed, physicians would know to offer more
aggressive therapies, increasing the chance of treatment success.
As part of the agreement, Erasmus MC, the largest Medical School
and University Hospital in Holland with over 10,000 employees, will
use early access Affymetrix technologies. These tools will provide
scientists with added genomic information that may be translated
into better patient care. Erasmus MC has already been an early
access customer for DNA analysis products, like the recently
launched Mapping 100K Set. The Mapping 100K is the first in a
family of products that will allow Erasmus MC researchers to
perform high-density genome scans and genome-wide association
studies on the genetics of complex diseases such as leukemia and
other cancers, cardiovascular disease, bone and joint diseases,
neurological disorders, immune deficiencies and susceptibility, and
host response to infectious disease. "This strategic agreement
shows Affymetrix' commitment to collaborate with world-leading
medical institutions to bridge the gap between clinical research
and application of genomics in patient care," said James Clough,
Vice President and General Manager, Europe, of Affymetrix. "By
combining our technology expertise with Erasmus MC clinical
expertise, we believe we can bring a significant contribution to
the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of diseases." 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 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 brand platform, to address growing markets
focused on understanding the relationship between genes and human
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 the outcome
of the translational medicine initiative discussed in this press
release), 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 protection and 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. About Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam: The
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of Erasmus University
Rotterdam and the University Hospital Rotterdam joined forces to
form the Erasmus MC, the largest centre of its kind in the
Netherlands. Advanced medical care is provided in three clinical
branches: the General Hospital, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's
Hospital, and Erasmus MC - Daniel den Hoed Oncology Center. Located
in the heart of Rotterdam, Erasmus MC provides advanced medical
care to 3 million people living in the south-western part of the
Netherlands. The Erasmus MC has achieved excellence in many areas
including cardiovascular diseases, oncology, pediatrics, clinical
genetics, human reproduction, endocrinology, virology, immunology,
hepatology and microsurgery. The research activities at Erasmus MC
range from fundamental biomedical research, patient-related
research and epidemiology to health care policy and management.
Additional information on Erasmus MC can be found at
http://www.erasmusmc.nl/ . 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 Investor,
Doug Farrell, Vice President, Investor Relations, +1-408-731-5285,
both of Affymetrix, Inc.; or Fred Balvert, Press officer of Erasmus
MC, +31-10-408-8056 Web site: http://www.erasmusmc.nl/ Web site:
http://www.affymetrix.com/
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