Press Releases (2003)

PGA TOUR Star Steve Flesch Signs Deal To Educate Americans on Potential Risks of Sun Damage

BERWYN, PA – December 10, 2003 – Dermik Laboratories' Carac® (fluorouracil cream) Cream, 0.5% Brand Team has joined forces with Steve Flesch, a top PGA TOUR professional.

Actinic keratosis (AK) is an evolving form of skin cancer, and is often invisible to the naked eye. AKs are lesions that may occur on the face, scalp, arms, or hands, and are the result of years of exposure to the sun. People aged 50 and over who have had significant sun exposure or a history of repeated sunburns, those who tend to freckle and burn rather than tan in the sun, and those who spend large amounts of time in the sun without sunscreen are at greatest risk for AKs.

"Personally, I have suffered with AKs, and I have been successfully treated with Carac®. Given the potential risk of not immediately treating my AKs, my doctor prescribed Carac®. My hope in working with the Carac® team is that I can help raise awareness among the millions of Americans who are golf enthusiasts about the dangers of prolonged sun exposure, and what they can do to treat AK lesions," said Flesch. Flesch will be working with Dermik through personal appearances at four PGA TOUR events in 2004, and as a consultant with the Company on various concepts for educating the public on AK.

"Dermik and the Carac® team are excited to be working with Steve Flesch to get the word out to golfers and golf fans around the country about the dangers of prolonged sun exposure," said Jeffrey Dierks, Product Manager for Carac®. "Steve's success on the PGA TOUR, and his personal history of AKs, make him an ideal spokesperson to help spread the word about AKs and treatment options."

AKs begin under the skin's surface, then emerge as rough or scaly areas that feel like sandpaper to the touch. They can be pink, tan, red or the same color as your skin, so they may be recognized by touch as well as by sight. AKs are commonly found on areas that receive the most sun exposure such as the face, scalp, arms and back of hands.

Carac® (fluorouracil cream) Cream, 0.5% is a once-a-day, topical treatment for actinic keratoses of the face and anterior scalp that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Carac® provides patients with an effective AK treatment with the benefit of convenient once-daily dosing.

Carac® should not be used by women who are pregnant, considering becoming pregnant, or nursing. Carac® should not be used by people with the rare condition diydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) enzyme deficiency. The most common side effects are skin reactions including redness, dryness, burning, pain, erosion (loss of upper layer of skin), swelling and eye irritation.

About Dermik Laboratories
Carac® is marketed by Dermik Laboratories. Dermik Laboratories conducts the North American business of Aventis Dermatology, the global dermatology unit of Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc. Dermik is dedicated to providing innovative dermatological products to satisfy the needs of health care providers and patients. Dermik has expanded its core business with a new aesthetic/cosmetic dermatology focus, and continues its strong commitment to treatments for traditional skin and nail conditions, including acne, nail fungus, pre-cancerous skin lesions, psoriasis and rosacea. Its corporate headquarters is located in Berwyn, PA. Please visit our website: www.dermik.com as well as www.skinhealthsolutions.com.

About Aventis
Aventis Pharmaceuticals conducts the U.S. prescription drug business of Aventis. With headquarters in Bridgewater, N.J., Aventis Pharmaceuticals focuses its activities on important therapeutic areas such as cardiology, oncology, anti-infectives, arthritis, allergy and respiratory, diabetes, and the central nervous system.

Statements in this news release containing projections or estimates of revenues, income, earnings per share, capital expenditures, capital structure, or other financial items; plans and objectives relating to future operations, products, or services; future economic performance; or assumptions underlying or relating to any such statements, are forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially depending on factors such as the timing and effects of regulatory actions, the results of clinical trials, the company's relative success developing and gaining market acceptance for new products, the outcome of significant litigation, and the effectiveness of patent protection. Additional information regarding risks and uncertainties is set forth in the current Annual Report on Form 20-F of Aventis on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in the current Annual Report – "Document de Référence" – on file with the "Commission des Opérations de Bourse" in France.