AlphaNet to Provide Health Management Services to Patients Who Rely on Zemaira™

King of Prussia, P.A., November 3, 2003 – Aventis Behring L.L.C. announced today an agreement with AlphaNet Inc., a not-for-profit health management company, to provide health management and support services to patients who rely on Zemaira™ (alpha₁-proteinase inhibitor [human]).   In July, Aventis Behring received approval for Zemaira™ from the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as chronic augmentation and maintenance therapy in adults with alpha₁-proteinase inhibitor deficiency (Alpha-1), a life threatening genetic disorder, which clinically manifests as emphysema.  Left untreated, this form of emphysema can be fatal. 

“As with any chronic illness, the management of Alpha-1 is complex and requires a multi-faceted approach.  AlphaNet works with the Alpha-1 Community to help patients work to improve their general health and gain greater independence in the management of their disorder.  Through our services, we aim to empower patients to take a more active role in their healthcare,” says Robert C. Barrett, Chief Executive Officer, AlphaNet Inc.  “We are pleased that Aventis Behring recognizes the value of our services and look forward to working with them in an effort to benefit patients who rely on Zemaira™.” 

Under the agreement, health management services provided by AlphaNet will include patient education, monthly telephone contact and support, insurance counseling and financial hardship referrals, access to a 24-hour toll-free “Help Line”, caregiver and family support programs.  Zemaira™ patients will also be eligible to participate in AlphaNet’s Alpha-1 Disease Management and Prevention Program (ADMAPP), as well as AlphaNet’s IRB-approved clinical trials. 

“While Aventis Behring has invested significant time and resources into making Zemaira™ available as a treatment option to people with Alpha-1, we also believe in the importance of providing support beyond safe and effective drug therapies,” comments Joseph Pugliese, Vice President and General Manager, Aventis Behring North America.  “By working together, I am confident that AlphaNet and Aventis Behring will make a considerable impact in the quality of life for patients with Alpha-1 and their families.” 

“Traditionally, Aventis Behring has a long-standing reputation for providing valuable support and resources to the patient communities the company serves,” says John W. Walsh, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alpha-1 Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing the awareness and early diagnosis of this life-threatening genetic disorder.  “The company’s agreement with AlphaNet underscores this commitment.  The Alpha-1 Foundation is pleased to be working closely with Aventis Behring and commends both AlphaNet and Aventis Behring for their dedication to and ongoing efforts on behalf of the Alpha-1 community.” 

Understanding Alpha₁-Proteinase Inhibitor Deficiency
Alpha-1 affects approximately 100,000 Americans.  Unlike emphysema that develops as a result of smoke inhalation, chronic emphysema caused by Alpha-1 is an inherited condition that may affect both the structure and the function of the lungs and may affect individuals as young as thirty years of age.  If left untreated, Alpha-1 can lead to premature death.

About AlphaNet

AlphaNet is a not-for-profit health management company providing comprehensive support services to people affected by alpha₁-proteinase inhibitor deficiency (Alpha-1).

About Aventis Behring

Aventis Behring, part of the Aventis family of companies, is a global leader in the plasma protein industry, providing a wide range of innovative and high-quality medicines to patients worldwide. Aventis Behring is dedicated to research and development in the area of human blood plasma as well as in emerging technologies. For more information about Aventis Behring, please visit: www.AventisBehring.com.

Aventis (NYSE: AVE) is dedicated to treating and preventing disease by discovering and developing innovative prescription drugs and human vaccines. In 2002, Aventis generated sales of €17.6 billion, invested €3.1 billion in research and development and employed approximately 71,000 people in its core business. Aventis corporate headquarters are in Strasbourg, France. For more information, please visit: www.aventis.com.

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 Référence"- on file with the "Commission des Opérations de Bourse" in France.

Source:
Cayz, Kim. "Aventis Behring Joins Forces With AlphaNet to Benefit Alpha-1 Community"  The Alpha-1 Foundation 3 Nov 2003 http://www.alphaone.org/news/press_releases/aventis_joins_forces_with_alphanet.html