Biotech Values

[DewDiligence]

Sculptra™ Creates Long-Lasting, Natural-Looking Results

[Unlike the U.S., Canada has approved Sculptra for general cosmetic use and Sanofi is aggressively marketing it as an alternative to Restylane and Juvederm. This PR has more than a modicum of hype, IMO.]

http://biz.yahoo.com/cnw/070404/sculptra_collagen_pdt.html?.v=1

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Unique facial contouring; collagen-building product; treatment lasts up to two years

LAVAL, QC, April 4 /CNW/ - Sculptra(TM), the first volumizing agent of its kind, represents a new category in non-invasive cosmetic dermatology for Canadians who are interested in facial rejuvenation and enhancement with minimal maintenance and long-lasting results. In addition to smoothing wrinkles, Sculptra(TM) replaces lost facial volume caused by natural aging and loose skin.

Unlike currently available products that use fillers to temporarily correct skin imperfections and require periodic office visits for refresher sessions, Sculptra(TM) works progressively by restoring volume and by naturally stimulating the body to produce its own collagen, resulting in a more natural-looking, youthful appearance that can last up to two years. With Sculptra(TM), typically three treatment sessions over a two-to-three month period may be necessary to obtain the desired results. There is no requirement for pre-treatment skin testing.

"The arrival of Sculptra(TM) is great news because it represents a unique niche in facial rejuvenation that yields smoother, longer-lasting results," says Dr. Sheldon Pollack, dermatologist and director of the Toronto Cosmetic Skin Surgery Centre. "Sculptra(TM) has been used in the cosmetic dermatology field since 1999 in more than 30 countries. It's a safe, long-lasting, non-surgical option for Canadians aged 40+ wanting to significantly reverse the effects of aging by several years."

Sculptra(TM) has a broad cosmetic application and is suitable for increasing the volume of depressed areas, particularly to correct skin depressions - such as skin creases, wrinkles, folds, scars, eye rings - and for aging skin. It is also suitable for large volume corrections of fat loss mainly due to normal aging. Injected below the surface of the skin in the area of fat loss, Sculptra(TM) provides a gradual and significant increase in skin firmness, improving the appearance of folds and sunken areas. Injections can only be performed by a trained physician and the treatment involves minimal downtime.

"As we age, we lose volume in our face. Sculptra(TM) allows us to restore the fullness of a more youthful face; think about the analogy of a raisin and a grape," says Dr. Julie Khanna, plastic surgeon and director of the Institute of Cosmetic & Laser Surgery in Oakville, Ontario. "Clients who have tried Sculptra(TM) say they now look as young as they feel and are pleased to see that Scultpra(TM) delivers on its promise of natural-looking results and a restored, youthful appearance."

Sculptra(TM) is a synthetic polymer from the alpha-hydroxy acid family (fruit acids) that is biocompatible, biodegradable and has been widely used for more than 30 years in dissolvable sutures and soft-tissue implants. Possible side effects of Sculptra(TM) may include the delayed formation of small papules under the skin in the treated area particularly when the product is over-concentrated. These papules are generally not visible and may only be noticed when pressing on the treated area. Other side effects may include injection-related events at the site of injection, such as bleeding, tenderness or discomfort, redness, bruising or swelling.

For more information, visit www.sculptra.ca. The new website also includes a search tool to easily locate a local Sculptra(TM)-trained physician across Canada. Health Canada approved Sculptra(TM) in June 2006 and more than 70 dermatologists and plastic surgeons across Canada have been treating patients since the fall of 2006. Sculptra(TM) is marketed by Dermik, the dermatology division of sanofi-aventis Canada Inc.

About sanofi-aventis

Sanofi-aventis is one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. Backed by a world-class R&D organization, sanofi-aventis is developing leading positions in seven major therapeutic areas: cardiovascular, thrombosis, oncology, metabolic diseases, central nervous system, internal medicine, and vaccines. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT : SAN) and in New York (NYSE : SNY ). In Canada, sanofi-aventis Canada Inc. employs over 1,140 people and has its headquarters in Laval, Quebec.
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