SANTA CLARA, Calif. & ORANGE COUNTY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Affymetrix, Inc. (Nasdaq: AFFX - News) and Beckman Coulter, Inc. today announced that they have entered into an agreement to offer researchers co-developed products from the market leaders in microarrays and automated liquid handlers. The collaboration will provide scientists with optimized, robust solutions for genomic research, fortified by end-to-end support.
The partnership will yield an expanding list of Affymetrix-validated automated target preparation methods, developed on an Affymetrix-specific configuration of Beckman Coulter’s precise and reliable Biomek FXp Dual Arm Multichannel–Span 8 Liquid Handler. This platform will provide researchers with standardized systems that include all components necessary to run Affymetrix genotyping and gene expression assays.
Major benefits of the solution will include the flexibility to process samples using Affymetrix GeneChip® Arrays or Array Plates with a single method, user-friendly interfaces, rapid implementation of new methods, a validated platform, elimination of costly mistakes and delivery of high-quality results.
“Beckman Coulter’s long history in manufacturing quality automation platforms with proven reliability make the company the ideal partner for developing automated target prep assays,” said Kevin King, president and CEO of Affymetrix. “These products not only provide a much needed target prep solution for our large installed base of GeneChip Array cartridge users, but very importantly, this agreement aligns with our strategic goals to reengineer the Affymetrix platform. With automated target prep robotics in front of our GeneTitan™ System, our customers will benefit from walk-away automation from prepared samples all the way through array processing and data generation.”
“We chose to work with Affymetrix because their genomics expertise and technologies are a great match for Beckman Coulter’s automation solutions,” said Wing Pang, corporate vice president of discovery products at Beckman Coulter. “Customers will soon see the fruits of this collaboration with the availability of automated target prep solutions for microarrays that address a wide range of sophisticated genetic analysis assays.”
Automated target preparation solutions from Affymetrix and Beckman Coulter are for research use only and are not for use in diagnostic procedures.
The Biomek FXp Dual Arm Multichannel–Span 8 Liquid Handler is for laboratory use only and not for use in diagnostic procedures.
NOTE: Affymetrix, the Affymetrix logo and GeneChip® are registered trademarks owned or used by Affymetrix Inc.
Beckman Coulter, the stylized logo and Biomek are registered trademarks of Beckman Coulter, Inc.
In North America please send reader inquiries regarding Beckman Coulter directly to c/o K. Delgado, Harte Hanks, 1753 South Pointe Avenue, Ontario, CA 91761. Or e-mail to k_delgado@harte-hanks.com.
For European reader inquiries, please contact: Manuela Jeremaes, Marketing Communications Manager, Beckman Coulter Eurocenter, PO Box 303, 1260 Nyon, Switzerland. Or email: mjeremaes@beckman.com.
About Affymetrix
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 18,000 peer-reviewed papers have been published using the technology.
Affymetrix is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., and has manufacturing facilities in 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 Beckman Coulter
Beckman Coulter, Inc., based in Orange County, California, develops, manufactures and markets products that simplify, automate and innovate complex biomedical tests. More than 200,000 Beckman Coulter systems operate in laboratories around the world, supplying critical information for improving patient health and reducing the cost of care. Recurring revenue, consisting of supplies, test kits, service and operating-type lease payments, represents approximately 78 percent of the company’s 2008 annual revenue of $3.1 billion. For more information, visit www.beckmancoulter.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 Beckman Coulter 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.
Contact:
Affymetrix Inc. Media: Justin O’Kelly, 408-731-5991 Public Relations Manager or Investor: Doug Farrell, 408-731-5285 Vice President, Investor Relations or Beckman Coulter, Inc. Media: Celeste Speier Public Relations Group Manager cmspeier@beckman.com or Veris Communications Steve Ernst veriscomm@gmail.com
