Axiom Arrays from Affymetrix – Analyst Blog

Genetic product maker Affymetrix Inc. (AFFX) has broadened its Axiom Genotyping Solution (a high-throughput genotyping platform) with the launch of Axiom Custom Genotyping Arrays. This new solution enables the company to address the latest trends in genetic research.

 

Scientists can now leverage the company’s market-leading Axiom Genomic database to design and develop custom arrays containing up to 2.6 million Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), the most frequent genetic variation in people.

The inherent flexibility in the new Axiom custom arrays will enhance the ability of the researchers to process high-quality data with the most appropriate SNPs for the diseases or sample cohorts being studied. Moreover, they can also integrate SNPs from their projects with Affymetrix’s SNPs to develop high-density custom arrays which will help them to examine the role of rare variants and genetic diversity in diseases.

 

Affymetrix’s Axiom platform (launched in October 2009) has been a key driver for the company’s DNA revenue growth. Increased purchases of this solution contributed to a 22% DNA sales growth in first-quarter fiscal 2010.

 

The automated Axiom platform supports Genome-Wide Association Studies (a study of genetic variation) and customized arrays. The platform includes microarray plates, reagent kits and data analysis tools and leverages the GeneTitan system, Affymetrix’s next-generation microarray platform.

 

California-based Affymetrix is a leading provider of microrray-based products and services to the global research community. It is one of the two major providers – along with Illumina Inc. (ILMN) – of microarray technologies, primarily used in the field of genetic research.

 

Microarrays have emerged as an important research tool as they can be used to examine hundreds of thousands of genes simultaneously. Affymetrix has expertise in gene expression monitoring arrays, which are used to identify correlations between genes, determine their biological functions, and identify patterns that enable more accurate disease classification.

 

Affymetrix is broadening its customer base through new product introductions and strategic alliances. The company continues to enjoy steady revenue streams from its arrays, accounting for a meaningful portion of its product revenues. However, Affymetrix is increasingly being challenged by competitive product offerings that leverage advanced technologies.