Sanofi-aventis and Oxford University Collaborate to Conduct Oncology Research in India

Collaboration Promotes Clinical and Translational Research to Address Unmet Needs of Cancer Patients in India

GUILDFORD, England, December 17, 2010 - Sanofi-aventis and Oxford University have entered into an
agreement to conduct multi-phase oncology clinical and translational research
with INDOX, India's leading academic oncology network. Through this
partnership, sanofi-aventis will have access to the expertise and experience
of India's top oncologists and scientists to conduct clinical research to the
highest internationally recognised ethical standards.

"The collaboration between sanofi-aventis, Oxford University
and the Indian Cancer Centers fosters a model for academic researchers and
industry to work together for the benefit of patients," said Debasish
Roychowdhury, MD, Senior Vice President, Head of Oncology, sanofi-aventis.
"This relationship not only helps to train the next generation of cancer
researchers in India, but also allows sanofi-aventis to efficiently develop
drugs in the premier cancer centers in India, which also provides access to
anticancer drugs to help patients fight their cancer."

"We are excited about the opportunity to work with sanofi-aventis to
advance cancer research and to validate targets more quickly and efficiently
to shorten the time it takes to move a molecule from laboratory to clinic,"
said Professor David Kerr, Professor of Cancer Medicine, University of Oxford
& co-chair of the INDOX scientific review board.

According to the agreement, sanofi-aventis will provide
financial support to Oxford University to manage the INDOX network of eight
leading cancer-research centers across India. The University will provide
training and support to investigators and research coordinators to help
ensure that each center has the capacity, expertise and infrastructure to
perform early- through late-stage and post-marketing clinical trials
according to ICH/GCP standards.

"INDOX was set up to be an equal partnership between Oxford
University and leading academic centres in India. The Indian and British
researchers both have important strengths and skills, and by sharing these
and working together, we believe we can achieve more," said Dr Raghib Ali,
Director of INDOX, University of Oxford.

"At sanofi-aventis, we are increasingly focused on new approaches to meet
the unmet medical needs of cancer patients. Sanofi-aventis India will
actively collaborate with INDOX team to help build clinical research
capabilities in the field of Oncology in our country. We are excited by this
unique partnership which will eventually benefit the cancer patients in
India," said Shailesh Ayyangar, Managing Director India and Vice President
(South Asia), Global Operations, sanofi-aventis.

About INDOX

The INDOX Cancer Research Network brings together many of the
world's leading oncologists and scientists in a unique global resource to
support the advancement of new anti-cancer therapeutics from the laboratory
into the clinic. Established in 2005 as a partnership between the Institute
of Cancer Medicine at the University of Oxford and India's top eight
comprehensive cancer centres, INDOX's aim is to conduct high quality research
that will help to reduce death and suffering from cancer in India. INDOX has
established itself as India's leading academic oncology network, conducting a
number of clinical studies in common cancers in India and providing training
and fellowships to Indian clinicians and scientists.

About Oxford University

Oxford University's Medical Sciences Division is one of the
largest biomedical research centres in Europe. It represents almost one-third
of Oxford University's income and expenditure, and two-thirds of its external
research income. Oxford's world-renowned global health programme is a leader
in the fight against infectious diseases (such as malaria, HIV/AIDS,
tuberculosis and avian flu) and other prevalent diseases (such as cancer,
stroke, heart disease and diabetes). Key to its success is a long-standing
network of dedicated Wellcome Trust-funded research units in Asia (Thailand,
Laos and Vietnam) and Kenya, and work at the MRC Unit in The Gambia.
Long-term studies of patients around the world are supported by basic science
at Oxford and have led to many exciting developments, including potential
vaccines for tuberculosis, malaria and HIV, which are in clinical trials.

About sanofi-aventis Oncology

Sanofi-aventis Oncology is targeting cancer on several fronts
in an effort to address unmet medical needs for a broad range of patients.
Starting with a deep understanding of the mechanisms by which cancers
develop, grow and spread, as well as translating this deep scientific
understanding early in the drug discovery process, the company employs
innovative approaches to bring the right medicines to the right patients.
There are currently more than 10 compounds in development across a broad
scientific platform, including targeted, cytotoxic, and antiangiogenic
approaches employing both novel chemical entities and monoclonal antibodies.

About sanofi-aventis

Sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company,
discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to improve the
lives of everyone. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in
New York (NYSE: SNY). For more information, please visit
www.sanofi-aventis.com

Sanofi-aventis Media Contacts: Helen Rix, UK Oncology Communications, Tel: +44-(0)1483-554212, E-mail: helen.rix at sanofi-aventis.com. Megan Humphrey, Global Oncology Communications, Tel: +1-(617)-679-5637, E-mail: megan.humphrey at sanofi-aventis.com. Marisol Peron, Corporate Media Relations, Tel: +33-(0)1-53-77-45-02; Mobile: +33-(0)6-08-18-94-78, E-mail: marisol.peron at sanofi-aventis.com