Updates

Cepheid Receives Export License for Biothreat Detection Assay And GeneXpert(R) System

SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 15 -- Cepheid (Nasdaq: CPHD) today announced it has been granted an export license for its GeneXpert(R) Anthrax test cartridge and GeneXpert(R) system by the US State Department in accordance with export regulations, including ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations - 22 C.F.R. 120 - 130). The export license provides Government clearance for Cepheid to market its state-of-the-art technology for biothreat use to specific government agencies in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Belgium and Switzerland. The system has been designed to enable users to rapidly and accurately detect the potential presence of anthrax, going from raw specimen to result in as little as 30 minutes.

"Bioterrorism and the threat of anthrax have emphasized the need for more accurate and rapid genetic assessment. The GeneXpert(R) System can be employed in mobile laboratories, office buildings and in a variety of military settings, enhancing homeland defense capabilities. Our receipt of the export license constitutes a step in providing U.S.-made biothreat detection systems to the defense sectors of our U.S. allies," said Dr. Jeff Ryan, Cepheid Director, Government/Biothreat Business.

About Cepheid

Cepheid (Nasdaq: CPHD), based in Sunnyvale, Calif., is a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of fully integrated systems that enable genetic assessment when and where it is needed. Founded in 1996, the company is commercializing its technology and products worldwide for research, medical, and industrial applications requiring assessment of the human genome, infectious disease and biothreat agents. See www.cepheid.com for more information.

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are not purely historical regarding Cepheid's or its management's intentions, beliefs, expectations and strategies for the future, including those relating to potential international markets for Cepheid's product. Because such statements deal with future events, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from the company's current expectations. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include risks and uncertainties such as those relating to: Cepheid's reliance on distributors to market, sell and support its products in many international markets; uncertainty of the level of demand for this product in markets outside of the United States; the impact of competitive products and pricing; market acceptance of and demand for this product outside the U.S.; and unforeseen problems in marketing and selling products in foreign markets. Readers should also refer to the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Cepheid's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2003.

All forward-looking statements and reasons why results might differ included in this release are made as of the date of this press release, based on information currently available to Cepheid, and Cepheid assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statement or reasons why results might differ.

For further information please contact: John Bishop, CEO, +1-408-541-4191 , or John Sluis, CFO, +1-408-541-4191, both of Cepheid; or media, Cynthia Martin, +1-312-640-6741, or investor/analyst information, Tricia Ross, +1-310-407-6540, both of Financial Relations Board, for Cepheid. SOURCE Cepheid

04/15/2004