Gen-Probe

Gen-Probe is a San Diego, California-based biotechnology company that developed nucleic acid probe-based diagnostic tests and specialized automated instruments to detect infectious diseases and screen donated blood supplies. The organization pioneered FDA-approved DNA probe technology and amplified nucleic acid tests to identify pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis, Legionnaires' disease, and West Nile Virus for clinical laboratories and healthcare providers. Backed by early investors including Hybritech and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, the enterprise went public in 1987 with $2.4 million in revenue before being acquired by Chugai Pharmaceuticals for $100 million in 1989. Following a 2002 spin-off under CEO Hank Nordhoff, the business expanded its workforce to approximately 1,400 employees and was ultimately acquired by Hologic in 2012 for $3.7 billion. Gen-Probe was founded in 1983 by Howard Birndorf, Thomas Adams, and David Kohne.