AFFX Affymetrix, Inc.

Serono Identifies 80 Genes Involved in Multiple Sclerosis Using Affymetrix 100K SNP Arrays New Affymetrix Microarrays That Enable Whole Genome Association Studies Are Helping Scientists Find New Genes Involved in Disease and New Drug Targets SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Researchers at the Serono Genetics Institute (NYSE:SRA) have announced the identification of 80 genes involved in the inflammatory and neuro-degenerative pathways of multiple sclerosis (MS). The Serono research team, led by Professor Daniel Cohen, Vice-President and Worldwide Head of Genetics, used the Affymetrix (NASDAQ:AFFX) GeneChip(R) Mapping 100K Set in an initial scan to compare the genetic profiles of people with MS to people without MS using over 100,000 SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms). This large-scale association study was performed in French, Swedish and American populations, comprising a total of 900 people with MS and 900 healthy individuals. This represents only the first phase of Serono's MS Whole Genome Scan project, and the next step is to apply the upcoming Affymetrix GeneChip Mapping 500K Set to scan over 500,000 SNPs in these populations. "We are excited about this significant step forward in building a comprehensive catalogue of potential MS drug targets, which will provide a basis for the future development of innovative MS therapies," said Cohen. "Affymetrix' Mapping 100K Set gave us sufficient power to identify over 80 genes in our initial scan. The additional SNPs in the 500K will allow us to both increase confidence in these and identify more genes." Understanding disease genetics in MS will enhance Serono's drug discovery efforts by identifying proteins that can be used either as targets for drug development or directly as therapeutics. In addition, the knowledge of genetics in MS provides a basis for better designing safer and more effective drugs and enabling physicians to address unmet needs and potentially better match treatments to the individual patient. "Serono was an early adopter of our Mapping 100K Set and they are now among the first to demonstrate the power of large-scale whole genome association studies to understand the mechanisms of disease," said Greg Yap, Vice President, DNA Products at Affymetrix. "The first peer-reviewed publications validating the fundamental discoveries being made using 100K are now emerging. In last week's Science magazine, Dr. Josephine Hoh and colleagues at Yale University reported the discovery of a key gene associated with macular degeneration using the 100K. Affymetrix has become the clear leader in genotyping because we are making genome-wide studies of the genetics affecting disease and drug response affordable for the first time." The Mapping 100K Set is the first in a family of products from Affymetrix enabling whole genome association studies. It was commercially launched in 2004 and is now in use by more than 100 customers worldwide. Affymetrix expects to release its new Mapping 500K Set for early access in the first half of 2005 and commercial launch in the second half of 2005. More information on the 100K can be found at http://www.affymetrix.com/products/arrays/specific/100k.affx More information on the Science magazine publication cited above can be found at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abst ract&list_uids=15761122 About Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, inflammatory condition of the nervous system and is the most common, non-traumatic, neurological disease in young adults. Multiple sclerosis may affect approximately two million people worldwide. While symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis include blurred vision, numbness or tingling in the limbs and problems with strength and coordination. The relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis are the most common. About Affymetrix Affymetrix scientists invented the world's first microarray in 1989 and began selling the first commercial microarray in 1994. Since then, Affymetrix GeneChip(R) technology has become the industry standard in molecular biology research. 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 1,200 systems have been shipped around the world and nearly 3,000 peer-reviewed papers have been published using the technology. Affymetrix' patented photolithographic manufacturing process provides the most information capacity available today on an array, enabling researchers to use a whole-genome approach to analyze the relationship between genetics and health. Affymetrix is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., with manufacturing facilities in Sacramento, Calif., and Bedford, Mass. The company maintains important sales and marketing operations in Europe and Asia and has about 900 employees worldwide. 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 (including uncertainties relating to the use of the genotyping arrays and outcome of the research projects 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, 2004 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: Wes Conard, 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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