17% increase in 2005 3rd quarter Group sales

(1)Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain and Portugal, including €0.74 million for IPI in the third quarter 2005 and € 1.60 million in total for 2005.

Despite an expected deceleration, 2005 3^rd quarter Group sales growth remained dynamic, up 17%, while sales on an organic basis rose 13% for the quarter and 18% for the 9 months.

• In France, sales continued to grow strongly, up 16%, marked by the stabilisation in the number of new patients. 

• A weak pollen season in Germany led to a net slowdown in growth in this country. Sales for all subsidiaries rose 10% on an organic basis for the 3^rdquarter.

• Distributors' sales growth remained satisfactory for the 3^rd quarter of 2005, up 14%, but the end of year prospects remain uncertain for North Africa and the Middle East.

As already announced, the deceleration in growth will be accentuated as a result of an unfavourable base effect for the 4^th quarter. However, the Group confirms its forecasts for strong annual sales growth and improved profitability.