Strasbourg, France
August 2,  2001

• Strong performance by core pharmaceutical business: Sales up 12.5% on activity basis, EPS rise 30.2% U.S. records 17% activity growth in second quarter, first half sales up 28% Strategic brands sales rise 35% in second quarter, up 43% in first half
• Aventis upgrades earnings projections for full year 2001
• Aventis is well positioned for future growth: Aggressive life-cycle management to significantly expand sales of blockbuster drugs New product launches, approvals and promising pipeline products to fuel future growth
• Negotiations on Aventis CropScience divestment progress

Aventis today reported unaudited consolidated group net sales of euro 11.646 billion (10.458 billion USD) for the first half of 2001. This compares with sales of euro 11.091 billion (9.960 billion USD) in the first half of 2000. Group net income rose to euro 730 million (656 million USD) compared to euro 337 million (303 million USD) in the first half of 2000 (euro 632 million (568 million USD) before exceptionals). Earnings per share (EPS) for the Aventis group increased to euro 0.93 (0.84 USD) compared to euro 0.43 (0.39 USD) in the first half of 2000 (euro 0.81 (0.73 USD) before exceptionals).

The group results still include non-core activities - namely Aventis CropScience, Aventis Animal Nutrition and industrial activities - which are going to be divested in order to focus on the core pharmaceutical business, which comprises prescription drugs, human vaccines and therapeutic proteins as well as the 50% interest in the animal health business Merial, a joint venture with Merck & Co. and corporate activities. The pro forma results for 2000, which present the core business retroactively, are calculated before exceptional items.

Strong performance by Aventis core Pharma business in second quarter:

Sales increase 12.5% on an activity growth basis and EPS rise 30.2% 

During the first six months of 2001, net sales in the Aventis core pharmaceutical business rose 14.9%, excluding currency and structure effects (activity growth) to euro 8.572 billion (7.698 billion USD) (+10% on a reported basis). For the second quarter, core business net sales posted an activity growth of 12.5% to euro 4.447 billion (3.993 billion USD) (+8.1% on a reported basis). EBITA for the Aventis core business was euro 1.763 billion (1.583 billion USD) for the first half of 2001, an increase of 30.2 % over the year-ago period. During the second quarter, EBITA rose 26.7% percent to euro 951 million (854 million USD) from euro 750 million (674 million USD) in 2000. Half-year net income for the core business rose 43.9% to euro 697 million (626 million USD) from euro 484 million (435 million USD) in the first half of 2000, while second-quarter net income grew 31.2% to euro 391 million (351 million USD) from euro 298 million (268 million USD) in the year-ago period. Half-year EPS for the core business rose 42.8% to euro 0.89 (0.80 USD) from euro 0.62 (0.56 USD) in the first half of 2000, while second-quarter EPS increased 30.2% to euro 0.50 (0.45 USD) from euro 0.38 (0.34 USD).

Gross margin increased to 71.2% for the first six months of 2001 compared to 65.7% in the first half of 2000 and 68.4% for the full year 2000. At the end of the first half, the EBITA margin in the core business rose three percentage points to 20.6% compared to the first half of 2000. This profitability improvement was achieved despite higher spending on sales and marketing for the successful launch of new products, such as the diabetes drug Lantus(R) in the United States and the pre-launch activities for the new antibiotic Ketek(R) in Europe.

Aventis upgrades earnings projections for full year 2001

"Strong performance within our core business has led us to consistently exceed the growth objectives, which we had established following the merger," said Patrick Langlois, Chief Financial Officer of Aventis. "We anticipate now that, core business activity sales growth will be around 13%, while EPS will increase approximately 35% for this year on a basis of euro 1.50 . Having established a solid base for performance gives us a great deal of confidence in our ability to deliver long-term sustainable growth to our shareholders well beyond 2001."

"With most industrial divestitures already completed, and with the anticipated divestment of Aventis CropScience and Aventis Animal Nutrition under way by the end of this year, Aventis is one step away from becoming a pure play pharmaceutical company," Langlois said.

U.S. sales grow 17% in second quarter and 28% in first half

Sales by Aventis Pharma in the United States rose 28% excluding structural and currency effects
(activity growth) to euro 2.969 billion during the first six months of 2001 (+25% on a reported basis). During the second quarter, sales activity by Aventis Pharma in the United States increased 17.4% to euro 1.600 billion (+16.2% on a reported basis). The United States accounted for 34.6% of total Aventis Pharma sales during the first half of 2001 compared to 30.5% in the year-ago period and 33.2% for the full year 2000.

In Japan, the world's second-largest pharmaceutical market, Aventis Pharma generated sales of euro 552 million during the first half of 2001; an activity increase of 13.6% (+8.1% on a reported basis). This favorable development is mainly attributable to the introduction of allergy drug Allegra(R), which was launched in Japan in November 2000 and has helped Aventis to significantly strengthen its position as one of the fastest-growing pharmaceutical companies in this important market.

Strategic brands grow 35 % in second quarter and 43% in first half

The prescription drugs business recorded sales of euro 7.413 billion in the first half of 2001, this is an activity growth of 15.7% (+9.4% on a reported basis). Sales activity of strategic brands rose 34.8% in the second quarter of 2001 to euro 1.852 billion and 43.2% to euro 3.470 billion in the first half of 2001. 

Strategic pharmaceutical brands, a group of 16 key pharmaceutical products, accounted for 46.8% of total prescription drugs sales during the first six months of 2001, up from 34.9% in same period of 2000.

Among the main growth drivers are:

Allegra(R)/Telfast(R) (fexofenadine) generated a 53.6% increase in
half-year sales activity to euro 844 million (+ 60.7% on a reported
basis), while second-quarter sales activity grew 43.4% to euro 460
million (+50.2% on a reported basis). In the United States, sales
activity rose 37.5% to euro 680 million in the first half (+47% on a
reported basis). Allegra(R) was a main growth driver in the United
States, benefiting mainly from positive prescription trends. In Japan,
the world's second-largest allergy market after the United States,
sales of Allegra(R) have also been very strong since the product's
launch in November 2000, rising to euro 82 million during the first six
months of 2001.

On August 1, 2001, Aventis Pharmaceuticals, the U.S. pharmaceutical
business of Aventis, filed a lawsuit against Barr Laboratories, Inc.,
in U.S. District Court in New Jersey alleging infringement of certain
U.S. patents related to fexofenadine HCl, which Aventis Pharmaceuticals
markets in the U.S. under the brand name Allegra(R). Barr Laboratories
had filed an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) with the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking authorization to produce and
market a generic version of fexofenadine HCl 60 mg capsules. In the
U.S., Aventis holds multiple enforceable method of use, formulation,
process and composition patents with respect to Allegra(R). Under
applicable federal law, marketing of an FDA-approved generic capsule
may not commence unless and until a decision favorable to Barr
Laboratories is rendered in the patent litigation or until 30 months
have elapsed, whichever comes first. On July 30, 2001, Aventis
Pharmaceuticals received notice that Barr Laboratories had filed
another ANDA with the FDA seeking authorisation to produce and market a
generic version of fexofenadine HCl tablets. Aventis is currently in
the process of analysing the situation. If a patent infringement suit
is brought by Aventis against Barr relating to the ANDA for the t
tablets, marketing of an FDA-approved generic tablet may not commence
unless and until a decision favorable to Barr Laboratories is rendered
in the litigation or until 30 months have elapsed, whichever is first.
In addition, the tablet formulations are protected by regulatory
exclusivity until the first quarter of 2003.

-- Lovenox(R)/Clexane(R) (enoxaparin sodium) achieved sales of euro 706
million for the first half of the year, an activity increase of 52.3%
(+58.9% on a reported basis). Second-quarter sales activity rose 36% to
euro 363 million (+41.8% on a reported basis). In the United States,
sales activity grew 79.2% to euro 473 million in the first half of the
year (+91.6% on a reported basis). Considered the standard therapy for
the prevention and treatment of thrombosis as well as the treatment of
unstable angina pectoris and myocardial infarction, Lovenox(R)
maintained its leading market position despite new competition since it
has the broadest range of indications of any drug in its class.

-- Taxotere(R) (docetaxel), for the treatment of advanced breast cancer
and non-small-cell lung cancer, posted first-half sales of euro 465
million, up 45.3% from the first half of 2000 (+49.3% on a reported
basis). Second-quarter sales activity increased 36.2% to euro 254
million (+39.8% on a reported basis). In the United States, sales of
Taxotere(R) rose 71.8% to euro 243 million (+83.7% on a reported
basis). Studies presented at the annual meeting of the American Society
of Clinical Oncology in May underscored the continually growing body of
clinical evidence for both the efficacy and safety of Taxotere(R).
Aventis has a major clinical program in place to extend this drug's
unique profile, and studies are underway to prove its safety and
efficacy for head and neck, prostate and gastric cancer in the EU and
the United States.

-- Amaryl(R) (glimepiride), an oral treatment for type 2 diabetes,
achieved sales of euro 223 million in the first half of 2001, an
activity increase of 34.4% from the same period in 2000 (+34.7% on a
reported basis), while second-quarter sales activity increased 23.3% to
euro 114 million (+22.6% on a reported basis). Results from a number of
clinical trials presented at the recent American Diabetes Association
meeting reaffirmed the safety and efficacy of Amaryl (R), which offers
type 2 diabetes patients a once-daily oral therapy with 24-hour glucose
control. Amaryl(R) is the first and only sulfonylurea with three
indications: monotherapy, in combination with insulin and in
combination with metformin.

-- Delix(R)/Tritace(R) (ramipril), an ACE inhibitor for the treatment of
high blood pressure and congestive heart failure following myocardial
infarction, achieved sales of euro 341 million in the first half of
2001; this is an activity increase of 41.5% compared to the year-ago
period (+39.8% on a reported basis). Second-quarter sales activity grew
38.1% to euro 184 million (+36.7% on a reported basis).

Vaccines business posts 25% sales growth in first half of 2001

Vaccine sales activity rose 24.6% to euro 615 million in the first half of 2001 (+29.6% on a reported basis). Second-quarter sales activity rose 22% to euro 298 million (27.1% on a reported basis). North America was the largest contributor to the ongoing strong performance with sales of euro 362 million in the first half, this is an activity increase of 35.4%. Second-quarter sales activity was up 26.3% to euro 179 million. Growth was driven by the fully injectable polio vaccine IPOL(R), which posted a 17.1% activity increase in sales to euro 128 million, including non-consolidated sales in Europe through a joint-venture with Merck & Co.

Therapeutic proteins recorded flat half-year sales of euro 561 million compared to euro 556 million in 2000. The business is still affected by unresolved supply-chain problems for Helixate(R), which is manufactured by a third party. Helixate(R) is an enhanced recombinant product for the treatment of hemophilia A that received regulatory approval in the U.S and EU in mid- 2000.

In the first half of 2001, sales by the animal health business Merial, a 50-50 joint venture with Merck & Co., which is accounted for using the equity method, rose 10% to euro 944 million (+11.6% on a reported basis). Sales by Merial are not consolidated in the Aventis core business sales.

Well positioned for future growth:

New products on the market and in the pipeline

Aventis is committed to expanding the range of indications, formulations and combinations for its key drugs and aims to maximize their potential through an aggressive life-cycle management strategy, which is being applied to existing as well as to upcoming products.

Actonel(R) (risedronate sodium), for the treatment and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis and corticosterorid-induced osteoporosis, was approved for use in June in the EU for the reduction of hip fracture risk in women with established postmenopausal osteoporosis. Also in June, researchers reported studies that documented a sustained five-year fracture-reduction benefit for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who received Actonel(R). This drug is being co-developed and co-marketed by Aventis and Procter & Gamble through the Alliance for Better Bone Health. It was launched in the United States in mid-2000 and is currently approved in 47 countries, including most of western Europe. During the first six months of 2001, Actonel(R) generated combined sales for Aventis and Procter & Gamble of euro 122 million. Combined second-quarter sales totaled euro 69 million.

Lantus(R) (insulin glargine), the new once-daily basal insulin for the treatment of type 1 and type 2
diabetes, was launched in the United States in May 2001, quickly achieving more than 10% share of new prescriptions in the long-acting market segment since its launch. Total sales of Lantus(R) were euro 24 million in the first six months of the year. Launched in Germany in mid-2000, Lantus(R) has successfully established a position as the reference treatment for type 1 and type 2 diabetes by capturing more than 30% of the basal insulin market in this country. Lantus(R) is the first and only peakless basal insulin analogue to provide 24-hour blood glucose control through one daily injection.

At its annual R&D meetings in May, Aventis announced that it has more than 30 promising projects currently moving through clinical development and that a number of important line extensions are planned for its strategic brands. During the first half of 2001, Aventis Pharma invested euro 1.397 billion in research and development; this represents 16.3% of total Aventis Pharma sales.

In July, Aventis received marketing approval from the European Commission for Ketek(R) (telithromycin), a novel ketolide antibiotic for respiratory infections, after having received a positive opinion in April from the Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products (CPMP) for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) as well as acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, acute sinusitis and tonsillitis/pharyngitis.

Aventis received an approvable letter in June from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for
Ketek(R) for the community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic
bronchitis and acute bacterial sinusitis indications. An approvable letter outlines conditions that Aventis must meet before FDA will approve Ketek(R). The company will continue to work closely with the agency on the specific data requirements for approval.

Aventis and Pfizer Inc., which are cooperating to develop, manufacture and market the inhalable insulin Exubera(TM), have completed the phase III development program and have begun to assemble the filings for the United States and Europe, currently planned for submission later this year. Recognizing that Exubera(TM) is a first-in-class product, with novel attributes and expected rapid, extensive usage, the FDA and other regulatory agencies are working closely with Aventis and Pfizer to enable presentation of a comprehensive data package that should maximize the full potential of Exubera(TM) in treating patients with diabetes, and facilitate regulatory review. The companies and the FDA are presently in active discussions of the content and timing of the NDA; if additional data are required, as now appears likely, the filing schedule would be revised.

In April, Aventis and Byk Gulden, a subsidiary of Altana, announced that they are jointly developing the compound ciclesonide for the treatment of asthma, a disease that affects more than 20 million people alone in the United States. This compound is being developed as an inhaled corticosteroid and is planned to be submitted for U.S. regulatory approval in 2003.

Aventis and Asta Medica signed also in April an agreement covering dexlipotam, which is currently in phase II development, and other compounds being developed for the treatment and prevention of the consequences of diabetes, diabetic late complications and related metabolic diseases.

Negotiations on Aventis CropScience divestment progress

After delivering strong performance during the first quarter, Aventis CropScience, which is reported as a non-core activity, continued to outperform the agricultural market trend during the second quarter.

In a very competitive market, Aventis CropScience achieved second-quarter sales of euro 1.205 billion, an activity increase of 3.4 % from the second quarter of 2000 (+5.5% on a reported basis). For the first half, sales activity rose 5.7% to euro 2.375 billion (+7.4% on a reported basis). This above-average rise was attributable to the significant growth in all key businesses of Aventis CropScience: Crop Protection sales activity rose 4.4% in the first half, due mainly to the contribution of the Brazilian, Canadian and French markets. The herbicides Balance(R) and Puma(R) and the insecticide Regent(R) led this sales growth. Overall the key growth drivers of Aventis CropScience achieved a sales activity improvement of 49% in the first half. The Environmental Science business improved its sales activity by 17% in the first six months, mainly as a result of performance in the United States, where sales grew 34% on a reported basis. BioScience sales activity increased by 6% in the same period, thanks to a recovery in the field
seeds area. 

Half-year EBITA for Aventis CropScience rose 18.3% to euro 525 million compared to euro 444 million in the first half of 2000. The EBITA margin was 22.1% compared to 20.1% in 2000. This profitability increase was due mainly to an improved product mix, the impact of product streamlining and a reduction in operating costs.

Commenting on divestment process for Aventis CropScience, Horst Waesche, member of the
Management Board of Aventis, said: "We are working closely with our partners -- Schering and Bayer -- to prepare a formal agreement, which should be finalized in the near future. However, before such a binding agreement can be signed, the required internal information and consultation procedures have to be completed with the employee representative bodies."

Aventis is also in exclusive negotiations with CVC Capital Partners Ltd. on the divestment of Aventis Animal Nutrition, which contributed half-year sales of euro 285 million. A possible closing is expected in the second half of 2001.

In December 2000, Aventis announced that it had agreed to sell its 50% stake in Wacker-Chemie GmbH to the Wacker family in a two-stage process to be completed in early 2002.

At the end of April, Allianz Capital Partners and Goldman Sachs Funds acquired the 66.7% stake of Aventis in the industrial gases group Messer Griesheim after the necessary approvals had been obtained. The business was therefore deconsolidated in April 2001.

Net debt of the Aventis group at the end of the first half was at euro 11.469 billion compared to euro 13.133 billon at the end of 2000. The reduction was mainly attributable to proceeds from non-core divestments as well as the associated deconsolidation of debt.

Aventis delivers euro 687 million cumulative synergies since its formation

At the end of the first half of 2001, Aventis core businesses have realized combined cumulative synergies of euro 466 million, of which euro 424 million at Aventis Pharma and euro 42 million at the corporate level. Aventis CropScience has achieved synergies of euro 221 million since the beginning of 2000. As announced, merger-related cash costs of around euro 2.45 billion were booked in 1999 and 2000. No further merger-related one-time costs are expected in 2001.

Aventis (NYSE: AVE) is dedicated to improving life through the discovery and development of innovative pharmaceutical products. In 2000, Aventis generated group sales of euro 22.3 billion and employed around 92,500 people in its Pharma and Agriculture businesses. Corporate headquarters are in Strasbourg, France. For more information, please visit: http://www.aventis.com

Statements in this news release other than historical information are forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially depending on factors such as the availability of resources, the timing and effects of regulatory actions, the strength of competition, the outcome of 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.

Provisional timing of third-quarter results: Beginning of November 2001.

Company news release
N3702