Press Releases (2004)

Dermik Laboratories Launches New, Comprehensive Online Resource on Nail Fungus

www.penlac.com Provides Patients and Physicians with Information to Aid in the Recognition and Diagnosis of a Common Medical Condition

BERWYN, PA — May 28, 2004 — Dermik Laboratories today announced the launch of a new comprehensive online resource on onychomycosis, a medical condition more commonly known as nail fungus, which affects an estimated 35 million people in the United States[1]. The new Web site, www.penlac.com, provides patients and physicians with valuable information on preventing, diagnosing and managing nail fungus, as well as on the use of Penlac® Nail Lacquer (ciclopirox) Topical Solution, 8%, the first and only prescription topical therapy approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat nail fungus.

Physicians and patients are guided to separate sections of www.penlac.com with information tailored to their needs. The site provides patients with basic nail care tips and links to Web sites that will help them select a doctor. Physicians who log on to the site will have access to managed care information on nail fungus and patient educational materials, in addition to information about diagnosis and complications associated with this condition. Both patients and physicians have access to a special section for people with diabetes, in fact, approximately one-third of this population develops nail fungus.[2]

"The creation of www.penlac.com reinforces our continuing commitment to educate patients and healthcare professionals about nail fungus," said Tim Moran, marketing director for Dermik Laboratories. "This site will help Dermik communicate to consumers the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of this condition before it becomes a significant health issue."

About Penlac®
Penlac® is a topical prescription for mild to moderate fungal nail infections. Regular visits to your health care professional for the removal of unattached, infected nails may be required. If you have diabetes, it is important to talk to your health care professional about nail care. The most common side effects are redness around nails, nail shape change, irritation, ingrown toenail and discoloration.

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.