New Affymetrix (Santa Clara, California) HLA Analysis Software Quickly Delivers High-Resolution HLA Types From Genotyping Data

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Affymetrix (NASDAQ: AFFX) introduces Axiom^™ HLA Analysis software for automated, high-resolution human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing from any genotyping dataset containing coverage of the extended major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region. The software’s unique imputation algorithm enables 4-digit HLA typing from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), combining genotyping and high-resolution HLA typing into a single assay.

“The algorithms we’ve incorporated into this software provide simple, ‘push-button’ analysis to dramatically decrease researchers’ cost and workload.”

HLA is the genomic region most highly associated with human disease and is part of the MHC. The human body uses HLA proteins to identify self versus non-self cells and to recognize cells that are infected. The recognition of these signals triggers an immune response. Many HLA disease associations have been reported over the years and this remains an important area of research.

“Prior to the availability of Axiom HLA Analysis, researchers conducted separate HLA molecular testing of their samples or used complex analysis workflows to generate HLA types from genotype data,” explained MaryBeth McCrumb, product manager for Affymetrix. “The algorithms we’ve incorporated into this software provide simple, ‘push-button’ analysis to dramatically decrease researchers’ cost and workload.”

Human disease and transplantation researchers can benefit from fast, economical HLA typing. This includes researchers in cancer, immunology, inflammation, phenotype association studies, and drug sensitivity studies. While genotyping datasets from any population can be analyzed with the software, the current reference panel is Caucasian-centric; additional ethnicities will be added in the coming months.

For Affymetrix array customers, Axiom HLA Analysis software is available free of charge and delivers HLA typing at no additional cost. The Axiom HLA Analysis software can be used with data from a number of Affymetrix array products, including the new Axiom^® Transplant Genotyping Array and UK Biobank Axiom^® Array as well as from Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0. Genotyping data produced by other manufacturers’ systems can be economically HLA-typed by Affymetrix Research Service Laboratory using the new software.

About Affymetrix

Affymetrix provides leadership and support, partnering with customers in pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and biotechnology companies, as well as leading academic, government, and non-profit research institutes in their quest to use biology for a better world. More than 2,300 microarray systems have been shipped around the world and more than 94,000 peer-reviewed papers have been published citing Affymetrix technologies. Affymetrix is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, and has manufacturing facilities in Cleveland, San Diego, Vienna, and Singapore. Affymetrix has about 1,100 employees and maintains sales and distribution operations worldwide. For more information about Affymetrix, please visit 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. These and other risk factors are discussed in Affymetrix’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, and other SEC reports for subsequent quarterly periods.

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