Gen-Probe Incorporated have signed a definitive agreement to acquire Prodesse, Inc., a privately held leader in molecular testing for influenza and other infectious diseases, for approximately $60 million in cash. Gen-Probe's purchase price could increase to up to $85 million if Prodesse achieves certain financial and regulatory milestones in 2010 and 2011.

'We believe acquiring Prodesse supports our strategic focus on commercializing differentiated molecular tests for infectious diseases,' said Carl Hull, Gen-Probe's president and chief executive officer.

In connection with the acquisition, Gen-Probe and Prodesse have signed an agreement under which Gen-Probe's sales representatives in the United States, Canada and Europe will begin co-promoting Prodesse's products in mid-October.