Paris, France – October 27, 2009 – Sanofi-aventis and the LFB group have decided to work together to better organize their production forces and build complementary know-how in the field of bioproduction in France.

This collaboration project is an important step towards the reinforcement of France’s wealth in this area and comes on the heels of Sanofi-aventis’ announced launch of the Biolaunch project on the Vitry-sur-Seine (France) site in May 2009 and the extension of the capacity of LFB’s bioproduction subsidiary (MAbgène) in Alès (France), slated to be operational by 2010. This agreement is a follow-up to the announcements made on October 26^th as part of the meeting of the Strategic Council for Health Industries to develop bioproduction platforms in France.

 “It is crucial that French pharmaceutical companies acquire their own bioproduction capacity,” stated Christian Lajoux, President of Sanofi-aventis in France. And, adding: “This project is symbolic for the transformation underway at Sanofi-aventis and fits perfectly within our strategy that consists of seeking out partnerships to discover new therapeutic options."

Christian Béchon, President of the LFB group went on: “The development of adequate installations represents a strategic industrial milestone for France.”

 This cooperation will be divided into two parts: the first involving joint use of resources for cell culture production and biological product purification and the second focusing on the joint creation of professional bioproduction training programs.

 A letter of intent was signed by both groups on October 16^th and a definitive agreement should follow within the coming three months.

 *via its subsidiary Sanofi Chimie

About sanofi-aventis

Sanofi-aventis is a world leader in the pharmaceutical industry whose activities include the research, development and supply of therapeutic solutions to improve the lives of all. The Group is listed on the Stock Markets in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and New York (NYSE: SNY).

 Sanofi-aventis, as a long-standing figure in the French pharmaceutical sector, offers a complete therapeutic range in France, including innovative, classical, self-medication and generic medicinal products and vaccines. Sanofi-aventis plays a major economic role in France and its regions with nearly 40 sites covering the entire national territory and representative of the entire pharmaceutical sector (R&D, production, control, logistics, sales and marketing, etc.). Sanofi-aventis is also committed to all actors in the healthcare sector through its multidisciplinary partnerships aimed at developing local community-based campaigns and at sharing its knowledge with the general public.

About LFB

LFB is a French biopharmaceutical group that develops, manufactures and markets medicinal products indicated for the treatment of serious and often rare diseases in the fields of hemostasis, immunology and intensive care. The LFB group is the number one manufacturer of plasma-derived medicinal products in France and 6^th worldwide and is also among the leading European companies in the development of monoclonal antibodies and new-generation proteins based on biotechnologies. In 2008, LFB devoted 67 million Euros to research and development, 19% of its total turnover of 352 million Euros. The LFB Group is directed by Christian Béchon and has 1531 employees.

Press Contacts

Sanofi-aventis France 

Marion Menut

Tel: +33 (0)1 57 63 25 14

marion.menut@sanofi-aventis.com

LFB

Sandrine Charrières - Communications Director

Tel: +33 (0)1 69 82 72 80 - charrieres@lfb.fr