Affymetrix to Acquire ParAllele BioScience

Building on a successful two-year collaboration, Affymetrix (Santa Clara, CA, USA) has agreed to acquire ParAllelle BioScience (South San Francisco, CA, USA) for around U.S.$120 million in Affymetrix stock.

ParAllele has developed assay technology for comprehensive genetic studies. Initially applied to genotyping, its highly flexible assays have the potential to be used in a broad variety of microarray applications. When used with the GeneChip technology of Affymetrix, the assays give researchers a powerful "molecular microscope” for examining the entire genome. Together these technologies offer scientists the ability to perform detailed analysis from several to tens of thousands of different sites in the genome, allowing them the freedom to design virtually any experiment they want. A key component of ParAllele's technology is its proprietary Molecular Inversion Probe (MIP) assay. The MIP design allows thousands of reactions to be multiplexed in a single tube with a high degree of accuracy and specificity.

By acquiring ParAllele, Affymetrix expects to strengthen its assay R&D capabilities, accelerate its development and commercialization of new products, and drive sales by opening new market opportunities.

"Together, Affymetrix and ParAllele have enabled new areas of science by offering products to explore the whole genome, as well as specific regions of interest,” observed Stephen P.A. Fodor, Ph.D., founder, chairman, and CEO of Affymetrix. "The potential for ParAllele's technology goes far beyond genotyping. We will combine both companies' technologies to accelerate discovery and product development in a wide variety of areas, from basic research to the clinic.”





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