(19)

(11)

EP 0 873 334 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 28.10.1998 Bulletin 1998/44 (21) Application number: 96944270.0 (22) Date of filing: 09.12.1996

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  C07D 317/ 68( . ) C07D 317/ 60( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1996/019545 (87) International publication number: WO 1997/021700 (19.06.1997 Gazette 1997/26)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU NL PT SE (30) Priority: 12.12.1995 US 19950008756P 16.02.1996 GB 19960003243 (71) Applicant: Merck & Co., Inc. (a New Jersey corp.) Rahway, N.J. 07065 (US)	(72) Inventors: DEVINE, Paul, N. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) TSCHAEN, David, M. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) (74) Representative: Hiscock, Ian James, et al  European Patent Department, Merck & Co., Inc., Terlings Park, Eastwick Road Harlow, Essex CM20 2QR Harlow, Essex CM20 2QR (GB)