Prodesse ProFAST(TM)+ Assay Receives European CE Mark

Molecular Test Identifies Three Strains of Influenza A, Including 2009 H1N1 -

SAN DIEGO, August 23, 2010 - Gen-Probe Incorporated (Nasdaq: GPRO) announced today that Prodesse's
ProFAST(TM)+ assay, a molecular test that simultaneously detects and
differentiates three common influenza A virus subtypes - seasonal A/H1,
seasonal A/H3, and 2009 H1N1 - has received its CE (Conformité Européenne)
Mark, enabling it to be commercialized in the European Union.

"CE marking of our ProFAST+ assay is important for public health, as the
test enables physicians to accurately differentiate among influenza A
subtypes that have different antiviral susceptibilities," said Eric Tardif,
general manager of Gen-Probe's Prodesse business. "In addition, the ProFAST+
assay is the third of four new products that we expect our recently expanded
sales force to launch in Europe this year."

The ProFAST+ assay is a multiplex, real-time RT-PCR (polymerase chain
reaction) in vitro diagnostic test that detects influenza A from
nasopharyngeal swabs. It uses the same internal control and format as other
CE-marked Prodesse tests for respiratory infectious diseases, and easily
integrates into a laboratory's existing workflow. All Prodesse products have
been optimized for use with automated extraction technology that minimizes
technician hands-on time. Test results can be obtained in as little as four
hours using the ProFAST+ assay, a significant improvement over culture-based
methods that can take days to produce a result.

Accurately differentiating among the three influenza A subtypes is
important because each subtype has a different susceptibility to commonly
used influenza antiviral drugs. For example, seasonal H1 has become resistant
to the antiviral drug oseltamivir, whereas most cases of 2009 H1N1 and
seasonal H3N2 respond to oseltamivir.

The ProFAST+ assay complements the Prodesse ProFlu(TM)+ assay, which has
been CE-marked to detect and differentiate influenza A, influenza B, and
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The ProFlu+ assay identifies samples
containing 2009 H1N1 as influenza A, but unlike the ProFAST+ test, it does
not differentiate among the various influenza A subtypes.

About Gen-Probe

Gen-Probe Incorporated is a global leader in the development, manufacture
and marketing of rapid, accurate and cost-effective molecular diagnostic
products and services that are used primarily to diagnose human diseases,
screen donated human blood, and ensure transplant compatibility. Gen-Probe
has approximately 27 years of expertise in nucleic acid testing (NAT), and
received the 2004 National Medal of Technology, America's highest honor for
technological innovation, for developing NAT assays for blood screening.
Gen-Probe is headquartered in San Diego and employs approximately 1,300
people. For more information, go to www.gen-probe.com.

In October of last year, Gen-Probe acquired Prodesse, Inc., which is now
a wholly owned subsidiary of Gen-Probe. Prodesse develops molecular
diagnostic reagents for a variety of infectious diseases. Prodesse now sells
five FDA 510(k) cleared products in the United States, and two additional
CE-marked products in Europe.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Any statements in this news release relating to Gen-Probe's expectations,
beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are
not historical facts and are forward-looking statements. These statements are
often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as
believe, will, expect, anticipate, estimate, intend, plan and would. For
example, statements concerning the expected benefits of the ProFAST+ assay,
its commercial acceptance, and future influenza prevalence are all
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of
performance. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and
assumptions that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or
achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Some of
these risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to,
the risk that Gen-Probe will not commercialize the ProFAST+ assay
effectively, the risk that seasonal flu will not be prevalent in this or
future years, and the risk that 2009 H1N1 will not return. The foregoing list
sets forth some, but not all, of the factors that could affect Gen-Probe's
ability to achieve results described in any forward-looking statements. For
additional information about risks and uncertainties Gen-Probe faces and a
discussion of its financial statements and footnotes, see documents filed
with the SEC, including the most recent annual report on Form 10-K and all
subsequent periodic reports. Gen-Probe assumes no obligation and expressly
disclaims any duty to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or
circumstances after the date of this news release or to reflect the
occurrence of subsequent events.

    Contact:

    Michael Watts
    Vice president, investor relations and corporate communications
    +1-858-410-8673

Michael Watts, Vice president, investor relations and corporate communications, +1-858-410-8673