SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Affymetrix, Inc. (NASDAQ:AFFX) today launched new Axiom(TM) myDesign(TM) Targeted Genotyping (TG) Arrays for the targeted genotyping market, enabling researchers to study mutations in disease pathways and characterize gene-gene interactions. This latest advancement allows researchers to design custom arrays to genotype 1,500 to 2.6 million markers per sample and rapidly transition from genome-wide scans to specific disease analyses with different experimental approaches on the same platform.

In addition to Axiom myDesign TG Arrays, Affymetrix released a new version of the Axiom(TM) Genomic Database containing 11 million variants, making it the industry’s largest supply of validated genomic markers.

By expanding the scale of its Axiom Genomic Database and utilizing the flexibility of the GeneTitan(R) System, Affymetrix delivers a powerful customizable genotyping solution that eases budget constraints and streamlines workflows. With this new capability, researchers can leverage the Axiom(TM) Genotyping Solution to explore regions of interest found in genome-wide association studies (GWAS), validate novel SNPs from sequencing experiments, or ramp up candidate gene projects with Axiom myDesign TG Arrays.

“Axiom myDesign TG Arrays will help researchers to quickly evaluate interesting variants from their GWAS, sequencing and candidate gene initiatives without limiting the number of markers in their study,” said Andy Last, Chief Commercial Officer of Affymetrix. “Customers who want to add newly discovered content after they complete the initial design can benefit from our new flexible content capability without switching platforms.”

Researchers can use the Axiom(TM) Design Center to configure their arrays using content from the Axiom Genomic Database or submit their own sequence from SNP discovery. This convenient, online tool allows researchers to select the most informative SNPs for their study and work with the Affymetrix Bioinformatics Services team to finalize their design.

The Axiom Genomic Database, with 11 million rare and common variants with minor allele frequency (MAF) greater than 1 percent, is derived from sources such as NHGRI, the International HapMap, and 1000 Genomes Project. Each marker is annotated by MAF, linkage disequilibrium (LD), and haplotype information, as well as SNP classification and biological function. The database also contains approximately 4 million SNPs associated with key processes or pathways important to the study of pharmacogenomics genes, cardiovascular disease, the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region, and inflammatory and immunity disease, as well as genes from the Sanger Cancer Gene Census and previous association studies.

Axiom myDesign TG Arrays are available to configure and order effective immediately. To learn more about Axiom myDesign Targeted Genotyping Arrays and the new Axiom Genomic Database, please visit www.affymetrix.com/mydesign.

About Affymetrix

Affymetrix technology is used by the world’s top pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and biotechnology companies, as well as leading academic, government, and nonprofit research institutes. More than 2,000 systems have been shipped around the world and more than 23,000 peer-reviewed papers have been published using the technology. Affymetrix is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., and has manufacturing facilities in Santa Clara, Cleveland, Ohio, and Singapore. The company has about 900 employees worldwide and maintains sales and distribution operations across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. For more information about Affymetrix, please visit http://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, 2010, and other SEC reports for subsequent quarterly periods.

NOTE: Affymetrix, the Affymetrix logo, Axiom, myDesign, and GeneTitan are trademarks or registered trademarks of Affymetrix, Inc.