Affymetrix, Inc. (Nasdaq:AFFX), today reported that based on preliminary financial data, the Company expects total revenue for the third quarter of 2008 to be approximately $75 million. Global sales fell below expectations for the quarter driven by increased competition for academic research funding and continued softness in industrial spending.

“We are disappointed with our results for the third quarter. Over the coming weeks we’ll complete our analysis of the shortfall and will be prepared to discuss the specific actions that we intend to take to improve our operating results,” stated Kevin King, president of Affymetrix.

“While in the near term we expect that research budgets will remain tight, we believe the long term growth opportunity in the genetic analysis markets remains attractive,” said Stephen P.A. Fodor, chairman and chief executive officer of Affymetrix. “We believe that the Company’s priorities are aligned to meet this challenge. We are reengineering our platform to offer our customers a range of new products that are more flexible and cost effective in 2009. In addition, our strong balance sheet will enable us to continue to invest in our business.”

The Company will release third quarter operating results and host a conference call after the close of the market on October 23, 2008. A live webcast can be accessed by visiting the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.affymetrix.com. In addition, investors and other interested parties can listen by dialing domestic: (866) 500-AFFX, international: (706) 643-2771.

A replay of this call will be available from 5:00 p.m. PT on October 23, 2008 until 8:00 p.m. PT on October 30, 2008 at the following numbers: domestic: (800) 642-1687, international: (706) 645-9291. The passcode for both replays is 67704611. An archived webcast of the conference call will be available under the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.affymetrix.com.