Affymetrix and BioDiscovery Announce Software for Analysis of Whole Genome Copy Number Data Generated From FFPE Solid Tumor Samples for Accelerating Cancer Translational Research

SANTA CLARA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Affymetrix, Inc. (NASDAQ: AFFX) and BioDiscovery announce the availability of the Nexus for OncoScan® Software for analysis of whole genome copy number data generated from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) solid tumor samples using the OncoScan® FFPE Express 2.0 Service. Through a joint arrangement, this software, based on BioDiscovery’s flagship Nexus Copy Number™, is available to customers who are analyzing data generated using this service.

Obtaining high-quality copy number data using limited amounts of DNA from degraded FFPE samples is extremely challenging for cancer researchers. Utilizing Affymetrix’ unique Molecular Inversion Probe (MIP) technology, the OncoScan FFPE assay is capable of analyzing highly degraded DNA in FFPE tumor samples, even from less than 100 ng of starting DNA material, and is currently available as a service through Affymetrix Research Service Laboratory (ARSL) based in Santa Clara, California.

OncoScan FFPE Express 2.0 Service has been successfully used by more than 30 leading cancer research institutes, including M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, and the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah.

“Cancer translational researchers have been able to quickly and easily analyze hundreds of degraded FFPE samples to correlate copy number aberrations with outcomes data,” said Andy Last, Executive Vice President of the Genetic Analysis and Clinical Applications Business Unit at Affymetrix. “Nexus for OncoScan Software is especially optimized for solid tumor copy number analysis and can generate whole genome copy number calls from raw data in minutes. We are very excited to continue to partner with BioDiscovery to bring this powerful and easy-to-use software to the cancer research community.”

“The OncoScan FFPE assay is an amazing technology for cancer researchers allowing them to unlock DNA information from masses of archived FFPE samples to obtain high quality data,” said Soheil Shams, President of BioDiscovery. “Combining the powerful OncoScan FFPE technology with the proven power of Nexus Copy Number gives scientists a unique solution that is sure to accelerate cancer research, impact diagnosis, and ultimately lead to better patient care and treatment. We are very pleased to partner with Affymetrix in offering this powerful solution.”

A next generation OncoScan FFPE product will be available in late 2013 enabling researchers to perform the assay and analysis in their own lab. Delivering results in about 48 hours, this new product will provide whole genome copy number coverage with high resolution in known cancer genes, loss of heterozygozity (LOH) as well as clinically relevant somatic mutation data – all from a single assay. An updated version of Nexus for OncoScan Software will be released in conjunction with the launch.

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

Products mentioned in this release are for research use only. Not for diagnostic procedures.

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, 2012, and other SEC reports for subsequent quarterly periods.

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.

We strive to provide leadership and support, partnering with our customers in pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and biotechnology companies, as well as leading academic, government, and non-profit research institutes in their quest for answers toward using biology for a better world.

More than 2,300 microarray systems have been shipped around the world and more than 48,000 peer-reviewed papers have been published citing our 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.

About BioDiscovery, Inc.

BioDiscovery (www.biodiscovery.com) is a leader in the development of breakthrough software and services for advanced copy number variation and expression analysis, enabling customers in drug discovery, research, and diagnostics by efficiently managing, integrating, and analyzing data generated using high-throughput microarray and next-generation sequencing technologies.

BioDiscovery Nexus Copy Number software offers simple yet powerful tools for copy number and sequence variation analysis and visualization from CGH arrays, SNP arrays, as well as next-generation sequencing, for analysis of complex data such as solid tumor samples. The elegant user-interface and powerful statistical tools designed specifically for the end-user allow detection of chromosomal aberrations and identification of affected pathways with just a few mouse clicks.