History
Affymetrix, founded in 1991 as a division of Affymax N.V., began operating independently in 1992. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, the Company completed its initial public offering in June 1996.

The Company commenced commercial sales of the GeneChip® system for research use in 1994, and currently sells its products directly to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agrichemical, diagnostic and consumer products companies, as well as academic, government, and other non-profit research institutes.

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Company Overview
Affymetrix is a pioneer in creating breakthrough tools that are driving the genomic revolution. By applying the principles of semiconductor technology to the life sciences, Affymetrix develops and commercializes systems that enable scientists to improve quality of life.

The Company's customers include pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agrichemical, diagnostics, and consumer products companies, as well as, academic, government, and other non-profit research institutes. Affymetrix offers an expanding portfolio of integrated products and services, including its integrated GeneChip® platform, to address growing markets focused on understanding the relationship between genes and human health. Affymetrix has almost 900 employees worldwide.

Acquisitions

USB Corporation
Affymetrix acquired USB, a privately held company that develops, manufactures and markets an extensive line of molecular biology and biochemical reagent products, in January 2008.

ParAllele BioScience Inc.
Affymetrix acquired ParAllele BioScience, a privately held provider of highly-scalable technology for comprehensive genetic studies, in October 2005.

Genetic MicroSystems, Inc.
Affymetrix acquired Genetic MicroSystems, a privately held Massachusetts instrumentation company specializing in DNA array technology, in February 2000.

Patents
Affymetrix has a variety of U.S. patents issued. To see a current list, please visit the Affymetrix Licensing Program page.