Leading Institutes Scan Human Genome to Accelerate Discovery of the Genes Associated with Diabetic Nephropathy

SANTA CLARA, Calif.–Affymetrix Inc. (Nasdaq:AFFX – News) today announced that Case Western Reserve University and the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) will use the Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0 to discover genetic pathways associated with diabetic nephropathy (DN). Case Western is the coordinating center for the 11 centers conducting independent studies as part of the Family Investigation of Nephropathy and Diabetes (FIND) Consortium, a project launched by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) in 1999.

Over a five-year period, 11 recruitment centers across the United States pooled their resources to recruit and enroll more than 10,000 participants into the FIND study. The FIND Consortium has already identified several key genetic variants associated with nephropathy in African-Americans, European-Americans, Mexican-Americans and American Indians. Scientists expect that the results gathered using the SNP Array 6.0 will ultimately lead to therapeutic strategies to prevent the onset or progression of nephropathy. Such data will also help identify people at risk for the development of progressive renal disease.

Diabetic nephropathy is a common complication in patients with diabetes that is becoming increasingly prevalent in older adults. Earlier treatment for patients that are at a higher genetic risk of developing DN may slow the progression of this disease.

“We are drawing rapidly closer to understanding the genetic basis for diabetic nephropathy, which in turn will enable us to develop more effective treatments and, ultimately, save lives,” said Dietrich Stephan, Ph.D., senior investigator in the Neurogenomics Division at TGen. “The Affymetrix SNP Array 6.0 provides us with a better view of genome variation with comprehensive coverage of both single nucleotide polymorphisms and copy number variant.”

“Diabetes continues to mystify researchers because both genetic and environmental factors appear to play significant roles in the manifestation of the disease. Affymetrix is working with the FIND Consortium to discover the genetic cause of this disease that affects so many people around the world,” said Kevin King, president of Affymetrix. “With the SNP Array 6.0, researchers are now able to analyze more genetic variation on a single array than any other product, providing maximum genetic power, all at a much more affordable cost per sample.“

The Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0 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

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 1,700 systems have been shipped around the world and more than 12,000 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 the company’s website at 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 associated with the studies to be conducted by Case Western Reserve University and TGen discussed in this press release, including the use of the results of the studies to be conducted, risks of the company’s ability to achieve and sustain higher levels of revenue, higher gross margins and reduced operating expenses; uncertainties relating to technological approaches, manufacturing and product development; personnel retention; uncertainties related to cost and pricing of Affymetrix products; dependence on collaborative partners; uncertainties relating 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, 2007, 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.

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