Affymetrix develops technology for examining and managing complex genetic information by applying the principles of semiconductor technology to the life sciences. The company’s GeneChip technology is used for sequence analysis, genotyping and gene expression monitoring. The company uses photolithography and solid-phase chemistry to produce arrays containing hundreds of thousands of oligonucleotide (a short polymer of two to 20 nucleotides) probes packed at extremely high densities. Markets for its GeneChip, as well as related GenFlex tag array products and CustomExpress and NimbleExpress array programs, include all aspects of molecular biology research in the life sciences, such as basic human disease research, genetic analysis, pharmaceutical drug discovery and development, pharmacogenomics, toxicogenomics and agricultural research. Affymetrix currently sells its products directly to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agrichemical, diagnostics and consumer products companies as well as academic research centers, government research laboratories, private foundation laboratories and clinical reference laboratories in North America, Europe and Japan. Its Perlegen Sciences, Inc. subsidiary focuses on identifying the genetic variations among individuals and finding patterns in them. Genetic MicroSystems, Inc., acquired by Affymetrix in 2000, also specializes in DNA array technology. The company also owns Neomorphic, Inc., a computational genomics company.

The company offers its workers an extensive benefits package that includes domestic partner benefits, legal and financial services, health fitness discounts, a tuition assistance plan and a lunch program.