GTC 2.0 displays and organizes all of the data from the SNP Array 6.0, which features more than 1.8 million markers that accurately measure copy number changes. Users can now uncover small chromosomal gains and losses that they could not have detected with classical karyotyping methods or previous array technologies. Geneticists can now better refine boundaries for common copy number variants and detect small chromosomal regions that cause genetic disease. Additionally, the ability to detect loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in the context of copy number changes enables scientists to identify copy-neutral events like uniparental disomies, genetic abnormalities that are frequent in many congenital diseases.

The new features of GTC 2.0 make it easier for researchers to extract and interpret both inherited and novel copy number changes. Over the past year, an increasing number of association studies have proven that certain common copy number variants are associated with diseases, such as Alzheimer's, HIV susceptibility and Parkinson's, while many cytogenetic abnormalities have been linked to congenital conditions like mental retardation.

“Affymetrix GTC 2.0 is an excellent software platform that is highly intuitive and user-friendly. When combined with the high-density SNP Array 6.0, this software will greatly improve our ability to detect copy number changes across the genome,” said Tamim H. Shaikh, Ph.D., assistant professor, Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. “This information will further enable us to decipher how different types of genetic variation impact disease.”

“Over the past year, the genetics community has learned that copy number changes are far more common than previously thought and are directly linked to a number of biomedical consequences,” said Steve Lincoln, vice president of informatics at Affymetrix. “Affymetrix customers are now able to uncover and measure more copy number changes as well as SNP genotypes in whole-genome association and cytogenetic studies. GTC 2.0 harnesses the true genetic power of our flagship SNP Array 6.0 product and simplifies the data analysis process through an intuitive interface and seamless integration with industry-leading data analysis software solutions.”

GTC 2.0 offers new algorithms for the SNP Array 6.0, as well as new visualization and reporting tools that help streamline genotyping and copy number analysis. Additionally, the export features make it easy to share data with collaborators and downstream application software. New GTC 2.0 features include:
Robust Copy Number and LOH Algorithms for SNP Array 6.0 – Proven to offer up to 10 times the sensitivity for detecting copy number changes than competing platforms.
Segment Reporting Tool – Describes every copy number change detected across each sample, including precise start/stop breakpoints and the percent of overlap with known copy number changes.
Genotyping Console Genome Browser – Offers intuitive graphical interface including one-click navigation between whole-genome karyoview and individual chromosome annotations.
GeneChip-compatible™ Software Enhancements – Integrates seamlessly with industry-leading data analysis packages.

For more information or to download Genotyping Console 2.0, please visit: http://www.affymetrix.com/genechip/GTC2_0.affx

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.

GTC 2.0 is the latest addition to the complete Affymetrix software suite, which includes Affymetrix® GeneChip® Command Console® (AGCC) and Affymetrix® Expression Console™. The suite provides scientists with integrated laboratory and data analysis workflows to suit their growing and diverging research requirements. AGCC supports modern laboratory best practices with new features for sample and array registration, fluidics and scanning instrument control as well as automated image processing. It also offers enhanced data management options with extensive search capabilities, desktop and web user interfaces and simple customization. In addition to Expression Console and Genotyping Console, AGCC is easily integrated with more than 30 leading GeneChip-compatible™ applications from Affymetrix’ third-party software partners.

Affymetrix GTC 2.0 is designed for research use only for cytogenetic analysis.

About Command Console®

Affymetrix® GeneChip® Command Console® Software provides an intuitive set of tools for instrument control and data organization used in the processing of GeneChip® probe arrays. AGCC calculates a single intensity value for each probe cell delineated by the grid (.CEL file generation), enables sample and array registration, instrument control for the Fluidics Station 450 and the GeneChip® Scanner 3000 as well as automatic and manual image gridding. Besides these core features, the flexible platform provided by AGCC enables customized, automated and integrated workflows with a variety of laboratory information management systems. To learn more about AGCC or download the application, please visit: http://www.affymetrix.com/genechip/commandconsole.affx.

About the Affymetrix GeneChip-compatible™ Applications Program

Affymetrix GeneChip-compatible™ Applications Program, in conjunction with the Affymetrix Developers’ Network, offers a set of informatics standards to the life sciences software community to support data from the Affymetrix GeneChip® microarray platform. Applications that bear the GeneChip-compatible™ logo are guaranteed to work seamlessly with Affymetrix data. To learn more about the various GeneChip-compatible™ applications, please visit: www.affymetrix.com/genechip/compatible

About Affymetrix

Affymetrix GeneChip® 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 10,500 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: 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 relating to commercial success of the Affymetrix Genotyping Console™ 2.0 discussed in this press release; risks of the company’s ability to achieve and sustain higher levels of revenue, higher gross margins and reduced operating expenses; uncertainties related to technological approaches, manufacturing and product development; personnel retention; uncertainties related to cost and pricing of Affymetrix products; dependence on collaborative partners; uncertainties related 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.