Press Releases (2005)

PGA TOUR Star Steve Flesch Educates Americans about Sun Exposure and Skin Health

Tee Off Against AKs Campaign Encourages Louisianans to Have Regular Skin Cancer Screenings

AVONDALE, LA — April 18, 2005 — Two-time PGA TOUR champion Steve Flesch is teaming up with Dermik Laboratories for the Tee Off Against AKs Campaign at the 2005 Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Tee Off Against AKs is a public awareness campaign designed to educate the golf community about actinic keratoses (AKs) – pre-cancerous skin lesions – and the need for proper skin protection. In 2002, Flesch was diagnosed with AKs, as a result of years of sun exposure, and received treatment from his dermatologist.

"Like most golfers, I was more focused on my swing than my skin. Given the amount of time I spend outdoors, I was fortunate that my AKs were detected and treated before they led to skin cancer," said Steve Flesch, PGA TOUR golfer. "My doctor prescribed Carac® (fluorouracil cream) Cream, 0.5%, which worked for me. Now, I take the proper steps to protect my skin from the dangers of prolonged sun exposure. I apply sunscreen, wear a hat and see my dermatologist regularly."

During the Zurich Classic, which takes place from April 25 – May 1, 2005 at the TPC of Louisiana, in Avondale, LA, Flesch will be joined by local board-certified dermatologists, who will provide event participants and spectators with free skin cancer screenings. Consumers will also have an opportunity to have their photo taken with a special UV-camera that will show the extent of existing sun damage on their face at the Carac® sponsorship tent. Patrons can also pick up a free Tee Off Against AKs silicone bracelet at the tent to show their support for this campaign aimed at raising awareness about this precancerous condition.

"Golf enthusiasts are especially at risk for actinic keratosis due to the increased sun exposure they receive on vulnerable body parts, like the face, forearms, and back of the hands," said Perry Robins, MD, President, The Skin Cancer Foundation. "Prolonged sun exposure is dangerous to the skin; therefore it is important for people to get routinely checked for skin problems."

Flesch will appear at the Carac® sponsorship tent on Wednesday, April 27, 2005, to share his personal experience battling AKs. In addition, free skin cancer screenings will be offered on the following dates and times: Wednesday, April 27, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Thursday, April 28, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Friday, April 29, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sunday, May 1, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

About AKs
AKs are lesions that typically occur on the face, scalp, forearms, or back of hands. AKs begin under the skin's surface, then often emerge as rough or scaly areas that may feel like sandpaper to the touch. They can be tan, red or the same color as skin. People aged 40 and over who have had chronic sun exposure or a history of repeated sunburns, and burn rather than tan in the sun, and those who spend large amounts of time in the sun without sunscreen are at higher risk for AKs.

About Carac®
Carac® (fluorouracil cream) Cream, 0.5% is a once-a-day, topical treatment for actinic keratosis 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 dihydropyrimidine 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 sanofi-aventis Dermatology, the global dermatology unit of sanofi-aventis. Dermik Laboratories has nearly 60 years of experience in the development, marketing and distribution of innovative prescription pharmaceutical products. Dermik has created a new division, Dermik Aesthetics, that will focus on marketing innovative, enduring, and reliable treatments to improve appearance and well being. Dermik's mission is to foster healthy-looking skin and in turn, a healthy outlook for life.

About sanofi-aventis
The sanofi-aventis Group is the world's third largest pharmaceutical company, ranking number one in Europe. Backed by a world-class R&D organization, sanofi-aventis is developing leading positions in seven major therapeutic areas: cardiovascular disease, thrombosis, oncology, diabetes, central nervous system, internal medicine and vaccines. The sanofi-aventis Group is listed in Paris (EURONEXT : SAN) and in New York (NYSE : SNY). The sanofi-aventis Group conducts business in the U.S. through its subsidiaries Sanofi-Synthelabo Inc. and Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc.

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