Seattle, WA - July 28, 2004 - Working with microarray industry leader Affymetrix through its developer network program, VizX Labs today announced the release of the latest edition of its GeneSifter microarray analysis system, version 2004.3. In this upgrade, GeneSifter’s power and flexibility for Affymetrix users has been expanded with new features, including compatibility with native Affymetrix data files.

“Because Affymetrix is the leading manufacturer in microarrays, this new update may be the most important yet for VizX,” said VizX Labs CEO Tom Ranken. “It focuses on markedly increasing the usefulness of GeneSifter for Affymetrix users.”

“These additions will make life easier for our users. We know this because our customers have requested them,” said VizX Labs science director and GeneSifter co-inventor Eric Olson, Ph.D. “I am pleased that our policy of quarterly upgrades continues to increase the accessibility of the GeneSifter system.”

“Now that they can use the unique, web-based GeneSifter system to work with their GeneChip® array data as it is natively generated, VizX customers will find it easier to analyze and interpret that data,” said Affymetrix senior informatics product manager Jeremy Nickolenko. “We’re happy to be working with VizX labs to support Affymetrix microarrays as the gold standard of the industry.”

Coordinating with Affymetrix through the Affymetrix External Developers Network, the VizX Labs development staff added the capability to directly access Affymetrix CHP microarray data files, with no need to export them into another format. The update enables GeneSifter users to directly access Affymetrix CEL probe-level data files, as well.

Other features were added to the system that will increase the convenience and power of the GeneSifter system for Affymetrix users. Genes can now be searched for using Affymetrix probe set IDs, in addition to GenBank Accession Numbers, UniGene Cluster IDs, and other IDs already supported. Also added was support for the GC-RMA method of probe-level analysis, another useful addition for Affymetrix users. Finally, GeneSifter export options were increased, as users can now choose whether or not to include annotations when exporting their data.

These new features are already available online to GeneSifter users, and additional information regarding the update is available on the GeneSifter website at http://www.genesifter.net/product-info_releases.php. A full set of specifications on the GeneSifter product, with these latest features highlighted, may be viewed at: http://www.genesifter.net/product-info_specs.php.

About GeneSifter
GeneSifter is the accessible, Web-based microarray data analysis system for research scientists. Available in editions for both individual laboratories and research core facilities, GeneSifter helps researchers understand the biology underlying gene expression patterns as it helps them determine the statistical and biological significance of their data. It features over 30 types of validated analysis techniques including clustering, pathways analysis and Gene Ontology operations, MIAME-compliant protocols and “R” platform biostatistics. GeneSifter’s clean and logical Web-based interface instantly makes sense to scientists and speeds discovery. According to University of Washington’s Gary Vanasse, M.D., “Using GeneSifter, what would have taken weeks, was accomplished in days.” Additional customer comments are available online at www.genesifter.net/product-info_testimonials.php. Downloadable graphics, including screenshots of the GeneSifter Lab Edition and the GeneSifter Core Edition, may be viewed online at www.vizxlabs.com/downloadable_images.html.

About VizX Labs
VizX Labs’ products enable scientists to incorporate sophisticated data management and computer analysis into gene research for improved quality and productivity. Selected as a Northwest Venture All-Star company and named by Bio-IT World as one of six “bioinformatics youngbloods” remaking that field, VizX was most recently listed by Washington CEO as one of the state’s top 25 biotechnology and biomedical companies. To view the VizX Labs newsroom, please visit www.vizxlabs.com/newsroom.html.

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