Aventis

LIFESPAN BIOSCIENCES ADDS AVENTIS
AS SIXTH SUBSCRIBER TO GPCR LOCALIZATION DATABASE

SEATTLE, WA (October 9, 2001) — LifeSpan Biosciences, Inc., a leading genomics company that uses molecular pathology to profile and localize gene expression in human diseases, announced today that Aventis Pharma has become the sixth subscriber to its database of information on the expression and localization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs).  The database gives subscribers access to information on all major non-olfactory GPCRs for use in identifying and validating new gene targets for drug discovery.

Under the contract, Aventis Pharma researchers will be able to access data from proprietary GPCR expression studies that LifeSpan has conducted for Aventis, enabling them to view all GPCR-related information from a single, integrated bioinformatics platform. The integrated database will facilitate collaboration between Aventis research teams operating out of separate locations in the U.S., Germany and France.

Aventis joins Pfizer, Merck & Co., Bristol-Myers Squibb, Novartis Research Foundation and Sanofi-Synthelabo in using LifeSpan's database to identify and prioritize potential drug targets from among the many candidates that have been identified by the genomics revolution.  Each subscriber selects specific GPCRs for investigation according to the organization's particular therapeutic focus.

"We are now mapping the top 320 GPCRs of potential therapeutic interest.  Our database helps subscribers make vital decisions about which genes to target in their drug discovery efforts," said Dr. Joseph P. Brown, President and CEO of LifeSpan Biosciences.  "This in turn will help accelerate development of new medications that can improve health and even save lives."

GPCRs are a large family of cell-surface molecules that act as receptors for many biologically active compounds and important pharmaceuticals.  LifeSpan is generating specific antibodies to GPCRs and is using immunohistochemistry to determine the expression and localization of individual GPCRs in a wide range of normal and diseased tissues from its extensive bank of tissue specimens.  LifeSpan's so-called molecular pathology approach requires highly trained pathologists to interpret staining patterns which reflect the distribution of expression of gene products in various tissues, and it provides a degree of detail that cannot be achieved by high-throughput methods such as gene chips.

The detailed GPCR expression and localization information is being compiled in an easy-to-search relational database that will include more than 30,000 high-resolution digital images, along with approximately 50,000 public DNA and protein sequences and 70,000 publications.  Because of its unique emphasis on gene expression and localization in normal and diseased human tissues and cell types, LifeSpan's database is of particular value in helping subscribers pinpoint the most productive areas for drug research, identify and validate new targets from drug development, and flag potential side effects early in the drug development process.

"The Human Genome Project has unleashed a flood of new genes from which pharmaceutical companies must choose targets for drug discovery and development," said Dr. Glenna C. Burmer, LifeSpan's Chief Scientific Officer.  "LifeSpan's gene expression and localization databases will provide the next generation of information to assist in decoding the relationship between genes and disease."

For more information on LifeSpan Biosciences, contact Joseph P. Brown, CEO, at (206) 464-1554 or joe@lsbio.com, or visit www.lsbio.com.

About Aventis Pharma AG

Aventis Pharma AG is the pharmaceutical company of Aventis (NYSE:AVE), a world leader in pharmaceuticals and agriculture.  Aventis Pharma is dedicated to treating and preventing human disease through the discovery, development, manufacture and sale of innovative pharmaceutical products aimed at satisfying unmet medical needs.  Aventis Pharma focuses on important therapeutic areas such as cardiology, oncology, infectious diseases, arthritis, allergies and respiratory disorders, diabetes and the central nervous system disorders.  Aventis Pharma has its corporate headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, and includes Aventis Pasteur, a world leader in vaccines based in Lyon, France, and Aventis Behring, a world leader in therapeutic proteins headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.  Aventis was launched in December 1999 through the merger of Hoechst AG of Germany and Rhone-Poulenc SA of France.  Corporate headquarters are in Strasbourg, France. For more information, visit www.aventis.com.

About LifeSpan Biosciences, Inc.

LifeSpan Biosciences, headquartered in Seattle, Washington, is a privately held genomics company founded in 1995 that utilizes proprietary molecular pathology and bioinformatics technology to profile and localize gene expression in normal and diseased human tissues for its more than 50 pharmaceutical company customers in Europe, Asia and North America.  LifeSpan is currently applying its technology and expertise to the production of a comprehensive atlas on the expression of each of the 30,000 human genes in both normal and diseased tissues.  The company's Web address is www.lsbio.com.