Sanofi-aventis U.S. to Acquire Oral Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatment

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., May 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sanofi-aventis U.S.
announced today that it has acquired from biotechnology company Antisoma plc
the U.S. commercial rights to Oforta(TM) (fludarabine phosphate film-coated
tablets), an oral B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) drug. Oforta is
currently approved in the United States for use as a second-line therapy to
treat adults with B-cell CLL.

"We are extremely pleased to add Oforta to our existing oncology portfolio,
and believe it represents an exciting opportunity for sanofi-aventis U.S.,"
said John Harrington, Vice President and Head of the Oncology Business Unit at
sanofi-aventis U.S. "Sanofi-aventis is a company committed to identifying and
exploring new treatment options for patients facing serious diseases, such as
CLL. This agreement further supports our efforts to help patients and
complements our strong heritage of providing therapies to treat cancer."

Antisoma currently licenses certain rights and purchases Oforta from Bayer
Schering Pharma AG. As part of this transaction, sanofi-aventis U.S. will
acquire these agreements.

Oforta is a nucleoside analogue designed to prevent cancer cells from dividing
by inhibiting DNA synthesis. Oforta was granted accelerated review and later
received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December
2008 to treat adult patients with B-cell CLL whose disease has not responded
to, or has progressed during or after treatment with at least one standard
alkylating-agent containing regimen. Oforta is an orally administered tablet
formulation of fludarabine phosphate.

About Oforta
Oforta is indicated as a single agent for the treatment of adult patients with
B-cell CLL whose disease has not responded to, or has progressed during or
after treatment with at least one standard alkylating-agent containing
regimen. Studies demonstrating clinical benefit such as prolongation of
survival or relief of symptoms have not been performed. Studies providing a
direct comparison of the clinical efficacy and safety of orally administered
fludarabine phosphate relative to intravenously administered fludarabine
phosphate have not been performed. The most common adverse reactions include
myelosuppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia), fever and chills,
infection, and nausea and vomiting. Serious opportunistic infections have
occurred in patients with CLL treated with fludarabine phosphate.

About CLL
CLL is a slow-growing cancer of the white blood cells and bone marrow, which
arises predominantly in older age groups (the majority of people with CLL are
at least 50 years of age). According to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, CLL
is the most prevalent leukemia -- with approximately 15,000 new cases
diagnosed in 2008. An estimated 90,000 people are living with CLL today.
More than 95 percent of all CLL cases have B-cell involvement.

About sanofi-aventis
Sanofi-aventis U.S. is an affiliate of sanofi-aventis, a leading global
pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic
solutions to help improve the lives of patients. Sanofi-aventis is listed in
Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).
For more information, www.sanofi-aventis.us or www.sanofi-aventis.com.

U.S. Contact
Lisa Buffington
908-981-6569
Lisa.Buffington@sanofi-aventis.com

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sanofi-aventis, that could cause actual results and developments to differ
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forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties
include those discussed or identified in the public filings with the SEC and
the AMF made by sanofi-aventis, including those listed under "Risk Factors"
and "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in
sanofi-aventis' annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31,
2008. Other than as required by applicable law, sanofi-aventis does not
undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information
or statements.

SOURCE sanofi-aventis

Lisa Buffington, +1-908-981-6569, Lisa.Buffington@sanofi-aventis.com