Sanofi-aventis is a division of its namesake European parent company, which is one of the world s largest pharmaceutical companies. Backed by a world-class research and development organization, the company develops leading positions in nearly 10 major therapeutic areas that include cardiovascular disease, thrombosis, oncology, diabetes, central nervous system, internal medicine and vaccines. The Sanofi-aventis group employs approximately 14,000 employees in the United States located at nearly 15 geographical sites throughout the country. Of these, approximately 8,000 are field sales and medical affairs representatives, making the company s sales force one of the largest in the U.S. pharmaceutical industry. Some of its products include Actonel, Allegra, Ambien, Eloxatin, Nasacort, Plavix, Taxotere and Uroxatral. Sanofi-aventis maintains a location in Bridgewater, N.J.