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Press Statement: Sanofi-aventis U.S. to Restructure Pharmaceutical Operations

 

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., October 8 - Sanofi-aventis U.S. announced today that it will streamline U.S. Pharmaceutical Operations as part of the company’s ongoing transformation to better respond to patients and customers in a challenging healthcare marketplace.  The restructuring will include an estimated 25% work force reduction in U.S. Pharmaceutical Operations, eliminating approximately 1,700 positions in total.  These decisions will be finalized by mid-December.

The company also continues to shift resources to strategic priorities, improve efficiencies and simplify infrastructure. Going forward, the focus of U.S. Pharmaceuticals will be Diabetes, Atrial Fibrillation and Oncology. This restructuring will allow the company to focus resources and people on these key areas. It will also position the company for growth following the impact of patent expiries, increase business development and other innovative partnerships, and ensure appropriate investment in late-life cycle products.

“This step in our transformation strategy will expedite decision-making, reduce business complexities and increase innovation, ensuring we rapidly respond to patient and customer needs,” said Gregory Irace, President and Chief Executive Officer of sanofi-aventis U.S./Canada Pharmaceutical Operations. “Given the serious challenges facing our organization and the healthcare industry, it is important to act decisively now so that our organization has greater stability moving forward and that our resources are allocated to our strategic growth priorities.  These changes will foster a renewed focus on the strong growth and pipeline opportunities that will drive our vision of being a diversified healthcare leader.”

Of the 13,000 people employed by sanofi-aventis in the United States, currently 6,900 are employed in the Pharmaceutical Operations division.  Other affiliates of sanofi-aventis in the United States include Research & Development, sanofi pasteur vaccines, BiPar and Chattem, the company’s consumer healthcare business.

Sanofi-aventis U.S. is an affiliate of sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to help improve the lives of patients. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY). For more information, visit www.sanofi-aventis.us or www.sanofi-aventis.com.