Affymetrix Launches Solution to Enable Cancer Researchers to Rapidly Map the Functional Impact of DNA Alterations on Gene Expression Profiles to Identify Potential Cancer Driver Events

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SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Affymetrix AFFX announced today the launch of Concurrent Molecular Analysis Profiling (CoMAP™) capability, which enables cancer researchers to gain rapid insight into the functional impact of DNA copy number alterations by combining whole-genome copy number data with gene expression profiles to easily and cost-effectively visualize and identify cancer driver events.

Whole-genome DNA analysis of cancer samples has shown that copy number alterations affect more of the genome than any other DNA abnormality. Many of these alterations are “drivers” of cancer, while others are just “passenger” events. Deciphering which of the DNA alterations are “driver” or “passenger” events has been a challenge. Having the ability to concurrently correlate genome-wide gene expression changes with copy number alterations can help to rapidly identify and prioritize the number of potential driver events, which in turn can lead to the identification of functional biomarkers. This is particularly valuable to researchers studying “C class” tumors, which are characterized by functional copy number changes as opposed to somatic mutations.

The CoMAP capability is a new functionality included in Affymetrix' new Chromosome Analysis Suite (ChAS) 3.0 Software that enables researchers to easily and quickly analyze and visualize the functional impact of copy number changes on gene expression in cancer samples, including FFPE tissue. This capability instantaneously combines and correlates whole-genome copy number data with mRNA and miRNA data generated from Affymetrix' assays such as OncoScan® FFPE Assay Kit, GeneChip® Human Transcriptome Array 2.0, and GeneChip® miRNA 4.0 Array respectively. This approach enables researchers to go from samples to insights in just three days. The correlation maps may be generated for all RefSeq genes or a customized gene list.

“Despite billions of dollars that are spent every year on cancer research, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Affymetrix is committed to enabling translational science by providing practical and cost-effective tools so that researchers can rapidly translate their discovery into improved cancer diagnosis and therapy,” said Andy Last, PhD, Chief Operating Officer of Affymetrix.

For more information on ChAS 3.0 with the CoMAP capability, visit www.affymetrix.com/comap.

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

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. The Company provides leadership and support, partnering with customers in pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and biotechnology companies, as well as leading academic, government, and non-profit research institutes in their quest to use biology for a better world. More than 2,300 microarray systems have been shipped around the world and more than 65,000 peer-reviewed papers have been published citing Affymetrix 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.

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, 2013, and other SEC reports for subsequent quarterly periods.

Affymetrix:
Media Contact:
Mindy Lee-Olsen, 408-731-5523
Vice President, Marketing Services
mindy_lee-olsen@affymetrix.com
or
Investor Contact:
Doug Farrell, 408-731-5285
Vice President, Investor Relations
doug_farrell@affymetrix.com

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Posted In: Press Releases
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