Affymetrix's New Pan-African Array - Analyst Blog
15 October 2011 - 2:58AM
Zacks
Genetic products maker Affymetrix Inc (AFFX)
has broadened its Axiom Genotyping Solution (a high-throughput
genotyping platform) with the launch of the Axiom Genome-Wide
Pan-African Array. It is the first commercial product designed to
maximize genetic coverage of both common and rare alleles (an
allele is one of a pair or series of genes) in populations of African descent
(including West and East Africans and African
Americans).
The poor genomic coverage of the existing commercially available
arrays has so far made it difficult for the researchers to
comprehend the underlining genetic factors, which trigger increased
risk for diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular and pulmonary
disorders in
African Americans.
So far,
African Americans and Africans have been underrepresented in
disease association studies as the existing arrays for these groups
were not optimized for the complex haplotype (a group of alleles of
linked genes) patterns of African genomes.
The Axiom Pan-African Array, which was developed leveraging more
than 11 million common and rare genomic markers, has been designed
to address the unique haplotype patterns and has the highest
coverage of variants in important biological categories compared
with other arrays with a similar number of markers. It offers
researchers a powerful and cost-effective tool for studying disease
and characterizing the genetic basis of diseases in
Africans and African Americans.
California-based Affymetrix is a leading provider of
microarray-based products and services to the global research
community. Along with Illumina Inc. (ILMN), it is
one of the two major providers 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. The company is expanding its
customer base through new product introductions and strategic
alliances.
Affymetrix’s Axiom array platform (launched in October 2009) has
been a key driver for its DNA business. The automated Axiom
platform supports Genome-Wide Association Studies (a study of
genetic variation) and customized arrays. The Axiom includes
microarray plates, reagent kits and data analysis tools and
leverages the GeneTitan system, Affymetrix’s next-generation
microarray platform.
Affymetrix continues to enjoy steady end-user demand for its
arrays as evidenced by sustained volume growth over the past few
quarters. However, the company remains challenged by a soft
operating backdrop in Europe and competitive product offerings that
leverage advanced technologies. We are currently Neutral on the
stock.
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