Sanofi-aventis (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) announced the creation of the Sanofi Espoir Corporate Foundation, dedicated to implementing health and solidarity programs worldwide.

For more than 20 years, the commitment of the sanofi-aventis Group and its employees has been exemplified in wide-ranging community actions that aim to help and provide emergency humanitarian aid, enable better access to healthcare and combat chronic illness in developing countries. Constructed with the support and competencies of partners involved in the communities, these programs are part of a long-term development approach, with the objective of providing long-term support for the most vulnerable populations.

Aiming to capitalize on existing initiatives and develop new programs, the sanofi-aventis Group decided to create this Corporate Foundation, Sanofi Espoir, which will be chaired by Jean-François Dehecq. Hence, sanofi-aventis wants, through innovative measures, to pursue its goal of helping provide healthcare access to those patients who need it most.

"We are very pleased that Jean-François Dehecq will chair the Sanofi Espoir Foundation as it will continues to support the company's values and will allow us to put into practice important measures focusing on health issues in our civilization today," declared Christopher A. Viehbacher, Chief Executive Officer of sanofi-aventis. "Health and Solidarity correspond to massive needs in terms of prevention, access and education. The Sanofi Espoir Corporate Foundation will find its strength in the engagement of all our employees."

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).