Affymetrix detects the secrets of human genetics. Its GeneChip system and other products are used to identify, analyze, and manage genetic data and disease characteristics in the development of new treatments for infectious diseases, cancer, and other ailments. Affymetrix sells its products directly to drugmakers, academic research labs, and government agencies, primarily in North American and European markets. It also provides outsourced genotyping research services, and it has partnerships and licensing agreements with such pharmaceutical companies as BGI and Roche to develop new disease diagnostics and instrumentation systems. In early 2016 Affymetrix was acquired by Thermo Fisher Scientific.