本月在德国柏林召开的人类基因组2004会议上HPA（United Kingdom's Health Protection Agency）介绍了他们与Affymetrix合作开发的脑膜炎奈瑟氏球菌分型检测array （Resequencing Array Classifies Previously Nontypeable Meningitis Strains）。这种array可以分别45种不同的脑膜炎奈瑟氏球菌菌株，并且可以鉴别出以前用传统方法无法分别的12种菌株。
Affymetrix, Inc., (Nasdaq: AFFX) today announced that the United Kingdom's Health Protection Agency (HPA) will present results at Human Genome Meeting 2004 (HGM2004) from its successful trial of an Affymetrix resequencing array to classify different meningitis strains. The array was developed in collaboration with the HPA and represents genomic sequences which vary between different meningitis subtypes. In addition to correctly classifying 45 samples that were previously identified by traditional methods, the Affymetrix meningitis resequencing array was able to classify 12 previously untypable samples into existing meningitis categories.
Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) is the major cause of meningitis and septicemia and can cause serious and sometimes fatal epidemic and endemic disease. The HPA facility at Manchester is the central facility for meningitis research in the UK and receives greater than 1,000 samples per year. Traditionally, the HPA has classified meningitis by using immunoassays to identify serotypes in combination with capillary sequencing to identify sub-serotypes. In addition to being more accurate than the traditional serotyping methods for bacterial classification, GeneChip CustomSeq Resequencing Arrays provide faster results in just 24 hours.
"For comparative sequencing of large regions, capillary sequencing is simply impractical," said Dr. Malcolm Guiver, of the Manchester Health Protection Agency Laboratory. "Samples that typically took 4-5 days can now be analyzed in one day using an array."
The meningitis resequencing array can be used to quickly identify new meningitis strains, as well as for epidemiological studies and vaccine research. The HPA will present the findings from its initial study today at HGM2004.
The meningitis resquencing array joins a growing list of pathogen arrays developed using the CustomSeq Resequencing Array Program. Through this program, researchers can design custom arrays to completely resequence entire viral genomes, such as those of SARS or smallpox, or alternatively to interrogate unique sequences from multiple pathogens on a single array. One CustomSeq array can currently be used to quickly sequence about 30,000 bases of double stranded DNA with a high degree of accuracy. Compared to capillary methods, CustomSeq arrays make sequencing faster and more effective by delivering completed sequence with minimal assembly and alignment. Investigating pathogens is one of many CustomSeq array applications. Other potential uses include SNP discovery, comparative sequencing of drug targets and investigation of candidate gene regions.
For more information about CustomSeq resequencing arrays, customers may contact their Affymetrix Sales Representative, or point their browsers to www.affymetrix.com.
About Affymetrix:
Affymetrix is a pioneer in creating breakthrough tools that are driving the genomic revolution. By applying the principles of semiconductor technology to the life sciences, Affymetrix develops and commercializes systems that enable scientists to improve the quality of life. The Company's customers include pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agrichemical, diagnostics and consumer products companies as well as academic, government and other non-profit research institutes. Affymetrix offers an expanding portfolio of integrated products and services, including its integrated GeneChip brand platform, to address growing markets focused on understanding the relationship between genes and human health. Additional information on Affymetrix can be found at www.affymetrix.com.
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 of the Company's ability to achieve and sustain higher levels of revenue, higher gross margins, reduced operating expenses, uncertainties relating to technological approaches, manufacturing, product development, market acceptance (including uncertainties relating to product development, use and market acceptance of the GeneChip CustomSeq Arrays), personnel retention, uncertainties related to cost and pricing of Affymetrix products, dependence on collaborative partners, uncertainties relating to sole source suppliers, 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, 2003 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
