Aventis and Avalon Form Oncology Collaboration Avalon to utilize molecular cytogenetics to identify and validate oncology targets BRIDGEWATER, N.J., and GERMANTOWN, Md., Dec. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Aventis and Avalon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., have entered into an agreement to collaborate on the identification, discovery and validation of drugable screening targets. As part of the agreement, Avalon will provide Aventis with a subset of its library of more than 200 identified amplicons (regions of chromosomal amplification) that have been discovered through cytogenetic analysis. Through further analysis of these amplicons, the two companies will then jointly seek to validate oncology targets. "We have been extremely impressed with Avalon's molecular cytogenetics platform and the quality of their scientists," said Thierry Hercend, Ph.D., head of Aventis oncology research. "Through this alliance with Avalon, Aventis hopes to generate innovative drugs targeting amplified oncogenes, a promising class of cancer drug targets." "We are excited about this agreement, which allows us to advance our cancer target initiative to the next stage of discovery," said Ken Carter, Ph.D., President and CEO of Avalon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. "Aventis has demonstrated a strong commitment to the oncology field and shares our commitment to bring better cancer treatments to market faster through the smarter use of innovative genomics technologies." Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. About molecular cytogenetic analysis in Oncology Molecular cytogenetic analysis is a genome-wide scanning technique that universally detects the genetic rearrangements that occur in cancer cells. Avalon's amplified oncogene discovery program has used high-resolution molecular cytogenetics to generate a proprietary database of cytogenetic amplifications. Amplified oncogenes in human cancer can then be rapidly identified by integrating this database with whole-genome gene expression analysis. Amplified oncogenes represent a class of proteins that are directly related to oncogenesis, and that have been validated within the context of human disease. Since cancer cells are known to show particular vulnerability to the disruption of these dominant oncogenic pathways, amplicons represent high-quality targets for drug development. About Aventis Aventis is dedicated to treating and preventing disease by discovering and developing innovative prescription drugs and human vaccines. In 2002, Aventis generated sales of euros 17.6 billion, invested euros 3.1 billion in research and development and employed approximately 71,000 people in its core business. Aventis corporate headquarters are in Strasbourg, France, with U.S. headquarters in Bridgewater, N.J. For more information, please visit: http://www.aventis.com/ or http://www.aventispharma-us.com/ About Avalon Pharmaceuticals Avalon Pharmaceuticals utilizes unique and proprietary forward chemical genomics-based methods to accelerate the discovery of novel targets and drugs. Avalon's unique capabilities in cytogenetics and gene expression analysis allow Avalon to rapidly discover and validate novel oncology targets. For the discovery of small molecules Avalon utilizes a comprehensive systems approach, enabling more informed decisions at earlier stages in the drug discovery process. These innovative techniques allow for the rapid identification of lead compounds through an enriched understanding of the mechanism of action within diseased cells, leading to accelerated medicinal chemistry driven lead optimization programs and clinical development. This revolutionary systems approach is applicable across multiple disease areas. Currently, Avalon is focusing its efforts to produce the next generation of cancer medicines. Avalon Pharmaceuticals was established in 1999 and is headquartered in Germantown, Maryland. For more information please visit http://www.avalonrx.com/. For Avalon: This press release includes forward-looking statements based on Avalon's management's current expectations. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from such expectations include, but are not limited to: the ability to secure future funding; the success of the Companies' research strategies; the applicability of the discoveries made therein; the difficulties inherent in the development of pharmaceuticals, including uncertainties as to the timing and results of preclinical studies; delayed achievements of milestones; reliance on collaborators; uncertainty as to whether the Companies' potential products will succeed in entering human clinical trials and uncertainty as to the results of such trials; uncertainty as to whether adequate reimbursement for these products will exist from the government, private healthcare insurers and third-party payors; and the uncertainties as to the extent of future government regulation of the pharmaceutical business. For Aventis: 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 Reference" -- on file with the "Commission des Operations de Bourse" in France, recently renamed "Autorite des marches financiers." Aventis contact: Avalon contact: Kara Smith-Russell Kenneth Carter, Ph. D. DI&A Communications Chief Executive Officer Tel: +1 908 231 4490 Tel: +1 301 556 9810 Fax: +1 301 556 9910 DATASOURCE: Aventis; Avalon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. CONTACT: Kara Smith-Russell of DI&A Communications, +1-908-231-4490, , for Aventis; or Kenneth Carter, Ph. D., Chief Executive Officer of Avalon, +1-301-556-9810, fax, +1-301-556-9910 Web site: http://www.avalonrx.com/ http://www.aventis.com/ http://www.aventispharma-us.com/

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