KIEL, Germany, June 23, 2006 — Affymetrix is collaborating with researchers at the National Genome Research Network in Germany, GlaxoSmithKline, Erasmus MC, the Karolinska Institute, and others to create a new publicly available control cohort database for the Affymetrix 100K and 500K Human Mapping Array sets. The database includes more than 12,000 samples from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. The group has agreed to work together to create a genetic map of Europe by discovering markers that could be used to identify different genetic sub-populations on the continent. The information will enable scientists to better understand population stratification and how to correct for it when performing large-scale association studies or pharmacogenomics studies in multi-site clinical trials around the world.

Affymetrix continues to look for more eligible samples and anticipates that an additional 5,000 to 10,000 samples will be added to this control program over the next year. The controls database will be an invaluable resource for many types of researchers because it will enable them to select age- and sex-matched controls from similar ethnic backgrounds as their cases and add them to their current study to increase genetic power.

Topics discussed during the interview include:

Watch the UserForum interview featuring Michael Krawczak, Ph.D., of the Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany.

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