APPOINTMENT OF JEAN-YVES WESSELY HEAD OF SANOFI-AVENTIS WINTHROP

Paris – October 24, 2005- Effective october 2oo5, Jean-Yves Wessely is appointed Senior Vice President in charge of Winthrop, worldwide Generics Activities of sanofi-aventis, based in Paris. Jean-Yves Wessely, MD, brings with him a wealth of more than 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as an intimate knowledge of Winthrop's key markets, having held several regional and local operational responsibilities in the past, both in France and abroad. In his most recent position, in charge of Commercial Operations in Germany, Jean-Yves was instrumental in ensuring the successful integration and subsequent formation of sanofi-aventis in this country. About sanofi-aventis Sanofi-aventis is the world’s 3rd largest pharmaceutical company, ranking number 1 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, metabolic diseases, central nervous system, internal medicine, vaccines. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT : SAN) and in New York (NYSE : SNY). Contact : Jean-Marc Podvin : +33 (0)1 53 77 42 23