Press Releases (2004)

BenzaClin® Topical Gel Shelf Life Extended

Number One Topical Treatment for Acne Shown to Remain Stable at Room Temperature for 13 Weeks After Reconstitution

BERWYN, PA — April 12, 2004 — Dermik Laboratories announced today the extension of the shelf life of its topical acne treatment BenzaClin® Topical Gel (clindamycin-benzoyl peroxide gel) to 13 weeks. This extension represents a 60 percent increase (from the original eight-week shelf life) after reconstitution by a pharmacist. BenzaClin® is now the only combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin acne therapy shown to remain stable at room temperature for 13 weeks after pharmacy dispensing.

"The 13-week shelf life extension of BenzaClin® brings important added value to both the physician and the acne patient," said Peter Hino, MD, a Dallas-based dermatologist. "BenzaClin® is reconstituted at the pharmacy and never needs to be refrigerated. Physicians can be confident that their patients can use BenzaClin® for a full 13-week period."

Introduced in March 2001 for the treatment of acne vulgaris, BenzaClin® combines clindamycin, the most widely prescribed topical antibiotic for acne, with the antimicrobial benzoyl peroxide, the most frequently used topical preparation for the treatment of acne, in one easy-to-use gel. BenzaClin® is a water-based gel, applied twice a day, morning and evening or as directed by a physician. It requires no refrigeration. Clindamycin acts to destroy acne-causing bacteria on the skin, while benzoyl peroxide dries the skin and helps prevent the growth of bacteria.

BenzaClin® is a prescription acne product. Side effects are usually limited to the skin and include dry skin and reactions at the site of application such as itching, peeling, redness and sunburn. Also, clindamycin, an ingredient in BenzaClin®, may cause diarrhea. If you experience severe diarrhea, stop using BenzaClin® and consult your physician immediately. You should not use BenzaClin® if you are allergic to clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide or the antibiotic lincomycin, or if you have a history of colitis.

About Dermik Laboratories
Dermik Laboratories conducts the global dermatology business of Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc., the prescription drug business of Aventis S.A. Dermik Laboratories is dedicated to providing innovative dermatological products to satisfy the needs of health care providers and patients. Dermik focuses on treatments for a wide variety of skin and nail problems, including acne, nail fungus, pre-cancerous lesions, psoriasis and rosacea. Its corporate headquarters is located in Berwyn, PA. Please visit our Web site: www.skinhealthsolutions.com or www.dermik.com.

About Aventis
Aventis is dedicated to treating and preventing disease by discovering and developing innovative prescription drugs and human vaccines. In 2003, Aventis generated sales of € 16.79 billion, invested € 2.86 billion in research and development and employed approximately 69,000 people in its core business. Aventis corporate headquarters are in Strasbourg, France. For more information, please visit: www.aventis.com.

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 "Autorité des marchés financiers" in France.