Affymetrix' GeneChip technology incorporated into Lineagen's FirstStepDx genetic evaluation service

Affymetrix, Inc. (NASDAQ: AFFX) and Lineagen, Inc., an innovative molecular diagnostics company focused on complex, genetically linked disorders, today announced the companies have signed an agreement to incorporate Affymetrix' GeneChip® technology into Lineagen's next-generation FirstStepDx, a genetic evaluation service for individuals with developmental delay (DD), intellectual disability (ID), and autism spectrum disorders (ASD).  The new FirstStepDx offering is anticipated to be available by mid-2012 and will feature a proprietary microarray-based assay incorporating novel genetic markers from recently concluded studies of more than 10,000 individuals.

Under the terms of the agreement, Lineagen has exclusive rights to develop a chromosomal microarray assay based on Affymetrix' GeneChip technology platform as part of the Powered by Affymetrix™ program.  In this program, Affymetrix licenses its technology to companies developing microarray products in a broad range of test applications, including diagnostics.  Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"This agreement further extends our platform with Affymetrix' technology, and we are very excited to incorporate their robust technology into our next-generation FirstStepDx," said Michael Paul, Ph.D., President and CEO of Lineagen.  "This next-generation FirstStepDx will assist physicians in the diagnostic evaluation of individuals with DD, ID, or ASD to determine genetic etiology that may influence changes in clinical management and inform appropriate care.  The Powered by Affymetrix™ program will further ensure we can continue to advance our breakthrough genetic testing by providing market-leading, reproducible, and accurate results."

"We are extremely pleased to formalize a Powered by Affymetrix partnership with an innovative company like Lineagen," said Dara Grantham Wright, VP Global Strategic Marketing for Clinical Applications at Affymetrix. "We are committed to bring our technologies closer to the clinic and to the patients who will benefit most from high quality genetic information."