Affymetrix, Inc. (NASDAQ: AFFX) announces the availability of a multi-genome pathogen microarray, designed by the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) and built by Affymetrix, for the detection and identification of pathogenic E. coli during foodborne outbreaks. These high density DNA-based microarray assays, for use with the GeneAtlas® Personal Microarray System, can detect, discriminate, and uniquely identify strains of E. coli on food products, clinical samples, and environmental samples in real-time outbreak situations.

This custom designed microarray contains tens of thousands of biomarkers mined from over 250 E. coli whole genome sequences, making it a true representation of the E. coli PanGenome. In addition to containing every known E. coli gene (>40,000), the design contains over 10,000 highly informative single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) biomarkers. As a result, this hybrid array is highly discriminatory as well as biologically and evolutionarily informative. Furthermore, by employing Affymetrix array strip technology, the microarray assay is rapid (<24 hours), high throughput, semi-automated, and affordable.

The Minimal Signature E. coli Array (FDA-ECID) is the culmination of seven years of research and development by FDA's Division of Molecular Biology. The choice of targets to include on the pathogen identification array were selected as part of a rational design strategy based in large part on data obtained from past outbreak investigations where several previous Affymetrix custom array designs were utilized; including GeneChip® E. coli Genome 2.0 Array and the FDA-E. coli-Shigella (ECSG) array.

In real-time outbreak investigations, FDA's comparative genomic studies demonstrate rapid identification and clear discrimination between clinically, temporally, and geographically distinct events.

The array is a complete package for genomic-scale molecular subtyping of foodborne pathogens. When used with FDA's Microbial ArrayTrackTM software, users will have a turn-key, customized solution for microarray data storage, analysis, and visualization.

Microbial ArrayTrack was developed by bioinformaticists at FDA's National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) from the ground-up as a high-end microarray data storage, analysis, and visualization package. As such, Microbial ArrayTrack now contains ECID-specific annotations in conjunction with a customized and validated data analysis and visualization solution.

"Affymetrix is pleased to see our long term relationship with the FDA result in a foodborne pathogen monitoring tool. The key to preventing widespread outbreaks is to detect and identify contaminants and foodborne illness as quickly, accurately, and easily as possible. Integrated genomic/bioinformatic solutions are indispensable tools in food safety applications providing rapid answers to serious questions," said Dr. Kevin Cannon, SVP of the Expression Business Unit at Affymetrix.

This array is now available to the community from Affymetrix.

PLEASE NOTE: Affymetrix, the Affymetrix logo, GeneAtlas, and GeneChip trademarks are the property of Affymetrix, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE: Affymetrix, Inc.

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. These and other risk factors are discussed in Affymetrix' Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, and other SEC reports for subsequent quarterly periods.

About Affymetrix

Affymetrix technologies enable multiplex and simultaneous analysis of biological systems at the cell, protein, and gene level, facilitating the rapid translation of bench-top research into clinical and routine use for human health and wellness.

We strive to provide leadership and support, partnering with our customers in pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and biotechnology companies, as well as leading academic, government, and non-profit research institutes in their quest for answers toward using biology for a better world.

More than 2,300 microarray systems have been shipped around the world and more than 48,000 peer-reviewed papers have been published citing our technologies. Affymetrix is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, and has manufacturing facilities in Cleveland, Ohio, San Diego, Vienna and Singapore. The Company has about 1,100 employees worldwide and maintains sales and distribution operations across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. For more information about Affymetrix, please visit www.affymetrix.com.

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