Affymetrix and Genisphere Launch Best-in-Class Solution for microRNA Expression Research

Benefits Include Fastest Labeling Assay on the Market and Industry-Leading Array
Content Covering 71 Organisms

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
Affymetrix, Inc. (Nasdaq:AFFX) and Genisphere Inc. today announced the launch of
a new, best-in-class solution for microRNA (miRNA) research studies.
Encompassing assay, array, and software, the solution offers comprehensive miRNA
coverage for 71 organisms on a single array. Covered species include human,
mouse, rat, canine, and monkey - all of which are critical models for
pharmaceutical and academic scientists working in oncology, stem cell research,
toxicology, neuroscience, infectious disease, and many other areas.

miRNAs are emerging as a major component in the regulation of gene expression.
Their main function is to down-regulate expression by binding to and modulating
the translation of specific mRNAs. With the Affymetrix® miRNA solution,
researchers can compare expression profiles across tissues and cell samples to
gain insight into the role that miRNAs play in various biological processes,
such as development, differentiation, viral infection, apoptosis, and
oncogenesis.

The GeneChip® miRNA Array is synthesized using a patented, high-quality
photolithography process to deliver optimal performance and includes controls to
ensure clear experimental outcomes. With the free miRNA QC tool software from
Affymetrix, users can normalize data and perform quality control procedures for
all miRNA experiments.

The FlashTag Biotin RNA Labeling Kit, created by Genisphere, is the first
commercial assay of its kind to eliminate the need for sample purification and
also provide Enzyme-Linked OligoSorbant Assay (ELOSA)-based quality control to
monitor labeling efficiency. It is also the fastest assay on the market,
enabling researchers to complete labeling in less than one hour. Requiring as
little as 100 ng of total RNA, this highly sensitive assay can discriminate a
one-nucleotide difference among miRNAs. The entire solution - array, assay, and
software - is compatible with current GeneChip® Systems from Affymetrix.

"This streamlined RNA sample-to-analysis approach reduces the time and effort
required from the researcher and their staff, thereby allowing more focus on the
creative aspects of their research," said Dr. Robert Getts, director of R&D at
Genisphere. "Early adopters have observed the simplicity, speed, and ease of use
of the FlashTag Biotin RNA Labeling Kit and are pleased with the data quality
and reproducibility when used with the GeneChip miRNA Array."

Increasingly, miRNA studies are facilitating the discovery of new exploratory
biomarkers and disease-associated signatures. By using gene analysis tools from
Affymetrix, researchers can integrate data generated from gene expression and
genotyping studies with their miRNA data. This "integrated genomics" approach to
biomarker discovery is extremely powerful and is already helping researchers
gain critical new insights into the molecular mechanisms that underlie disease
and drug response.

"The total US miRNA market is in the early stages of adoption and is expected to
grow at a compound annual growth rate of 25 percent from 2008 to 2015," 1 said
Kevin King, president and CEO of Affymetrix. "This miRNA solution is another
example of how Affymetrix continues to advance its leadership position and
innovation in the expression market."

For more information about the new miRNA Solution, please visit:
http://www.affymetrix.com/products_services/arrays/specific/mi_rna.affx

To order the GeneChip® miRNA Array, please call 888-DNA-CHIP (888-362-2447) or
email sales@affymetrix.com.

To order FlashTag Biotin RNA Labeling Kits from Genisphere, call 877-888-3362,
email info@genisphere.com, or visit www.genisphere.com.

1 Frost & Sullivan. U.S. Micron Markets. N4DF-ff (2008).

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 1,800 systems have been
shipped around the world and more than 16,000 peer-reviewed papers have been
published using the technology.

Affymetrix is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., and has manufacturing
facilities in Sacramento, Calif., Cleveland, Ohio, 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.

About Genisphere

Genisphere Inc. (Hatfield, PA) is a manufacturer of kits and reagents used for
the ultra-sensitive detection of nucleic acids and proteins. Genisphere`s signal
amplification product line is based on its proprietary 3DNA® Dendrimers, highly
branched DNA molecules capable of delivering up to hundreds of labels per
analyte. 3DNA® Dendrimers can be generated in a variety of sizes, deliver a
variety of different labels, and target a wide range of biomolecules, making the
3DNA Dendrimers extremely versatile and enabling them to be used in a wide
variety of applications. 3DNA Dendrimers have been adapted for use in DNA and
protein microarrays, ELISAs, bead-based assays, flow cytometry, in situ
detection of nucleic acids and proteins, and many other applications. Genisphere
has also expanded their product line to include proprietary whole transcriptome
amplification, through their SenseAmpTM and RampUPTM product lines.

Genisphere distributes products worldwide through direct sales and
distributorships. Genisphere employees strive to deliver innovative research
tools to the research, clinical and diagnostic communities. For more
information, visit www.genisphere.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 relating to commercial success of the
agreement with Genisphere discussed in this press release; risks of the
company`s ability to achieve and sustain higher levels of revenue, higher gross
margins and reduced operating expenses; uncertainties related to technological
approaches, manufacturing and product development; personnel retention;
uncertainties related to cost and pricing of Affymetrix products; dependence on
collaborative partners; uncertainties related to sole-source suppliers; risks
associated with past and future 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, 2008, 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.

Genisphere and FlashTag are trademarks of Genisphere Inc.

Affymetrix, Affymetrix logo, and GeneChip are registered trademarks of
Affymetrix Inc.

Affymetrix Inc.
Justin O`Kelly, 408-731-5991 (Media Contact)
Public Relations Manager
Doug Farrell, 408-731-5285 (Investor Contact)
Vice President, Investor Relations

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