BiPar Sciences' Investigational PARP Inhibitor, BSI-201, to be Highlighted During ASCO's Plenary Session

BSI-201 Phase II Data in Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Featured At
ASCO Press Briefing; Study Results Will be Released On Sunday, May 31, 2009, At
8:30 a.m. EDT (Orlando, FL) 

BRISBANE, Calif. and PARIS, May 18, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Results from a
Phase II clinical trial of BiPar Sciences' -- a wholly-owned sanofi-aventis
subsidiary -- lead PARP inhibitor, BSI-201, will be a featured oral plenary
presentation at the 45th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical
Oncology (ASCO), Orlando, FL. 

The study (Abstract #3 in the ASCO Proceedings 1) is a randomized Phase II
trial of BSI-201, a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1(PARP1) inhibitor, in
combination with gemcitabine/carboplatin in patients with metastatic triple
negative breast cancer (TNBC). Results will be highlighted through the
following ASCO venues: 

 ASCO Oral Plenary Session
 Sunday, May 31 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. ET
 Science of PARP and PARP inhibition introduction is scheduled for
  2:45 p.m. ET
 BSI-201 Phase 2 data presentation is scheduled for 3:00-3:15 p.m. ET
 Presented by lead investigator Dr. Joyce O'Shaughnessy
 Level 2, West Hall D2

 ASCO Press Conference
 Sunday, May 31 at 8:30 a.m. ET
 Woman's Cancers ASCO Press Briefing

 Best of ASCO 2009 educational program intended to highlight the most
 relevant, cutting-edge science in oncology today. Sessions will be
 held in Los Angeles and Atlanta in the United States and in several
 countries across the globe in the months following the ASCO annual
 meeting.

About ASCO

ASCO is the world's leading professional organization representing physicians
who care for people with cancer. Approximately 30,000 cancer specialists from
around the world are expected to gather at ASCO to discuss the latest advances
in cancer care, treatment, prevention and survivorship. More than 4,000
abstracts have been accepted to the meeting. For information on abstract
embargo schedules and other ASCO information and resources, visit
www.asco.org/presscenter. 

About BSI-201

Among other investigational PARP inhibitors in the industry, BSI-201 is the
furthest along in clinical development in metastatic TNBC. BSI-201 is currently
being evaluated for its potential to enhance the effect of chemotherapy-induced
DNA damage. The clinical development of BSI-201 is supported by well documented
safety profile based on studies of more than 200 patients. 

About sanofi-aventis

Sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company, 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. 

About BiPar Sciences

BiPar Sciences is a biopharmaceutical organization pioneering novel
tumor-selective therapies being investigated in settings of urgent unmet need
for cancer patients. BiPar Sciences, located in Brisbane, California, is a
wholly-owned sanofi-aventis subsidiary. For more information, please visit
www.biparsciences.com. 

CONTACT:  BiPar Sciences
          Stephan Herrera
          1-415-794-4005