Affymetrix's Rice Genotyping Test - Analyst Blog

California-based genetic products maker Affymetrix Inc (AFFX) has announced the launch of its first high-density rice genotyping array at the Plant and Animal Genome XIX Conference in San Diego. The test, dubbed GeneChip Rice 44K SNP Genotyping Array, will offer an affordable, high-quality method to identify rice varieties and explore genetic traits. 

Developed through collaboration with global community of rice researchers under a project funded by the National Science Foundation's Plant Genome Research Program, the new rice genotyping array has been designed to boost rice industry's productivity by accelerating the discovery of natural variation and quality characteristics.

The GeneChip Rice 44K SNP Genotyping Array allows rice breeders to efficiently and cost-effectively track and fingerprint rice varieties. The array is capable of detecting the common genetic variants within and between the key sub-species of O. sativa (Asian rice).

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.

Affymetrix is expanding its customer base through new product introductions and strategic alliances. The Axiom array platform (launched in October 2009) has been a key driver for its DNA business. To broaden its Axiom platform, the company launched the Axiom Custom Genotyping Arrays in July 2010, enabling it to address the latest trends in genetic research.

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 competitive product offerings that leverage advanced technologies.

 
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