PLAVIX® APPROVED IN JAPAN

Paris - January 24, 2006 - Sanofi-aventis (EURONEXT : SAN and in New York NYSE : SNY) announced today that the antiplatelet agent Plavix® (clopidogrel) has been approved for marketing in Japan by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for the reduction of recurrence after ischemic cerebrovascular disorder. Since September 2005, all commercial rights for Plavix® in Japan belong to sanofi-aventis. Sanofi-aventis and Daiichi Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. have agreed to collaborate in the future in the areas of manufacturing and co-promotion to ensure the success of Plavix® in Japan. Plavix® will therefore be marketed in Japan, after receiving a price listing from the NHI (National Health Insurance) which is expected in the second quarter of 2006. About Plavix® Plavix® is an antiplatelet agent which prevents platelets from aggregating and forming clots in the arteries. Worldwide, Plavix® is indicated for the prevention of atherothrombotic events in a broad range of patients including those who have previously suffered a heart attack or a stroke, and those with established peripheral arterial disease. In Japan, Plavix® is expected to greatly contribute to the treatment of the estimated two million patients who suffer from stroke. Further clinical trials are also currently being conducted in Japan to extend its use to patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Since it was first launched in 1998, Plavix® has been introduced in more than 100 countries worldwide and has been prescribed for more than 40 million people suffering from atherothrombosis. For more information on Plavix® visit the following addresses: - in the United States of America :www.plavix.com. - in Europe Union: www.emea.eu.int/humandocs/Humans/EPAR/Plavix/Plavix.htm 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, thrombosis, oncology, metabolic disorders, central nervous system, internal medicine, and vaccines. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT : SAN) and in New York (NYSE : SNY). Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements include financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives and expectations with respect to future operations, products and services, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words “expect,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “plans” and similar expressions. Although sanofi-aventis’ management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of sanofi-aventis, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include those discussed or identified in the public filings with the SEC and the AMF made by sanofi-aventis, including those listed under “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in sanofi-aventis’ annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2004. Other than as required by applicable law, sanofi-aventis does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forwardlooking information or statements.